Very disapointing. My grandparents were supposed to be on the first flight.
I believe the advanced booking figures for JFK, although still along way from the proposed start date, had not reached the percentage they required by anything like what they needed for it to go ahead. Obviously a non-starter from its conception.
As the above message says, you are wrong:
Mr Parkin, NIA
“While we are of course hugely disappointed at this news, we understand the exceptional market conditions faced by US airlines in general. In particular, the massive and sustained rise in fuel prices in the wake of hurricanes Rita and Katrina. We consider this to be a temporary set back to Newcastle’s plans to become a much needed transatlantic gateway for the North East region. We remain confident that it is only a matter of time before we secure such a service and together with ONE North East discussions are being reopened with a number of other airlines which had expressed interest in operating services between Newcastle and New York.''
Craig Kreeger, AA
We remain convinced that a route serving Newcastle and the North east would be an attractive opportunity given more stable market conditions in our industry.
Alan Clarke, One NorthEast
“We have all worked very hard to bring the New York route here; unfortunately, we are a victim of global forces beyond our control and American Airline’s decision is not a reflection on the region and its ability to deliver. One NorthEast is working together with Newcastle International to bring new routes and encourage investment in the region. We are very optimistic that a number of key new routes will be announced next year.”