The first passengers from Blackpool to the Big Apple have taken to the skies on the new Aer Lingus Dublin transatlantic connection.
Four lucky ladies, all from the Blackpool, jetted off to see their cousins in New York, travelling from Blackpool International to JFK via Dublin.
Speaking before departure, Anne Charlesworth, who is travelling with her friend Ann Kowalska and their respective daughters Antonia and Bella, said: "We are very excited to hear that we are the first passengers to make the transatlantic connection to New York.
"We are going to see our cousins, who play in a band called Troubadour, perform in music bar gigs in New York.
"It is fantastic to be able to travel from our local airport and wherever possible we fly from Blackpool International because it is so easy."
Sue Kendrick, Blackpool International's Customer Relations and Communications Manager, met the ladies as they checked in for their flight to Dublin and onward to New York.
She said: "It was great to meet them all and so exciting to hear that they were our first passengers making the transatlantic connection.
"To mark the occasion, and get their trip off to a flying start, we gave them complimentary access to our executive lounge.
"We hope they have a great time in New York seeing their cousins."
The new schedule to Dublin is jointly operated under a franchise agreement between Aer Arann and Aer Lingus. Bookings for both Dublin and New York can be made via www.aerlingus.com.
Sue added: "Being able to link into the Aer Lingus Dublin transatlantic network, now means that our passengers can book straight through from Blackpool to New York and we really hope that with the free passenger parking available at the airport, more and more people from across Lancashire and the Lake District will take the opportunity to support their regional airport on this route and the many others we serve.
"This in turn we are sure will demonstrate not only to our incumbent airlines but also to potential new airlines and tour operators that Blackpool is a fast track, easy airport for their passengers and there is demand for new routes in and out of the resort."