The first jet service from MAN to New York was by Sabena, originating in Brussels.
That was promptly squashed by the old protected BOAC who had no intention of doing something the same.
Similarly, among the first jet visitors to MAN were an Air France Caravelle and a Swissair DC8. I received corporal punishment at school for skipping games to cycle to see the DC8 but at least I have a photo taken from the old rhubarb field at the end of R/W 24.
It was always a matter of contention that what is now BA could not see further than Uxbridge.
Look at MAN now.
If I want to go to the States I will be looking at the American carriers.
I work for one of several airlines which fill wide bodies flying to a variety of long haul, and short and medium haul, carrying the sort of people BA don't seem to be interested in any more.