With Eos and Maxjet both established with business class services from Stansted to JFK New York, American Airlines (AA), part of oneworld, is to introduce its own parallel operation at the start of the winter season 2007. The AA service however will be a two-class flight featuring a Boeing 767 offering 191 seats in economy and 30 in business class.
In early 2001 Continental Airlines commenced New York flights from Stansted but this was quickly withdrawn soon after 9/11. Silverjet flies with an executive class only service from Luton to Newark, New York”s alternative international gateway, and across the Hudson from New Jersey.
”This is fantastic news for Stansted,” said the airport”s business development and planning director, Nick Barton.
"We are the UK”s third largest airport, one of the top 50 in the world, so it”s fitting that the world”s largest airline has recognised the growth potential from here to develop its links to London.”
American has also confirmed it will begin serving Heathrow Airport (LHR) from both Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) and Raleigh/Durham, NC (RDU), effective 29 March 2008, moving from Gatwick under the new bilateral arrangements. Plans are for DFW to be served with a single daily flight from both Gatwick and Heathrow.
”These are significant schedule developments and a continuing commitment driven by the London market”s importance to our customers, as well as Heathrow”s worldwide connections through our oneworld partners,” said American”s chairman and CEO, Gerard Arpey. ”This will be the first time London-bound passengers using our DFW or Raleigh/Durham gateways will be able to fly directly to Heathrow, which is London”s leading airport.
”In addition, our new service to London Stansted will provide our premium travellers an alternative London airport and convenient access to growing business districts,” Arpey said. ”Our customers have asked for this choice of airports, and we are going to meet that need at competitive prices.”