Direct trans-Atlantic service draws closer (19/4/05)

As the first-ever direct trans Atlantic flight from Bristol International Airport draws ever closer, Speedbirds.com looks at the implications for West businesses and tourism.

The very first direct flight across the Atlantic from Bristol International takes place on May 20th, when Continental Airlines launch their five times a week service with New York (Newark). The launch brings with it much excitement for the West public, as well as local businesses, for now there will be a regular direct service across the pond without the need to travel up to Birmingham or Heathrow to do it.

This is a huge milestone for Bristol International (BRS) also, as this marks a step towards International Airport status for Bristol, befitting the name of the airport as it's been known for a few years now. With the new terminal welcoming well over 378,000 passengers through its doors during March this year alone and schedule services outstripping charter passengers three fold for the umpteenth year in succession, Bristol really has become an Internationally-recognised hub.

Only this week budget airline Easyjet announced three new routes and Bristol announced yesterday a new service to Egypt, but is Bristol growing too fast? It would appear not, especially as the new services have been welcomed by the business community as well as the management at Bristol. Tiffany Aikens, Marketing Manager for Bristol International Airport, said: “We are launching our promotional activity in Bath this weekend and anticipate significant interest in the attractive New York fares that are on offer.”

Those attractive fares start at just £339 for an economy style return, which although more expensive than some of Heathrow's current deals (Air India at £215, for example), the time saved having to travel to London, the cost of parking at London rates, and the sheer hassle involved make the base fare a hugely attractive proposition.

Only time will tell if the West public and business will take to the new service, although all the indications look extremely good.

Speedbirds.com will be there for the launch of scheduled services on May 20th, and would like to wish Bristol International Airport, Continental Airlines and their respective partners every success with the new service.