05.08.2005
From Newcastle to New York

Newcastle International Airport, which is partially owned by Copenhagen Airports A/S, will get its first overseas route when American Airlines starts up direct flights between Newcastle and New York next spring.

Starting in May 2006, American Airlines, the world’s largest airline, will be operating daily flights using 188-seat Boeing 757 aircraft.   Picture: Newcastle International Airport

”The route to New York is the result of intensive efforts to attract new airlines and develop new routes out of Newcastle. The airport has devoted many resources to this work In collaboration with Copenhagen Airports A/S,” says Rasmus Christiansen, Vice President, Copenhagen Airports International, a subsidiary of Copenhagen Airports A/S.

Newcastle International Airport is the ninth largest airport in the UK and the country’s most rapidly growing regional airport, not least as a result of its great success in the low-cost market. In 2004, Newcastle International Airport had a record 4.7 million passengers, a 21% increase from 3.9 million in 2003. In the first six months of this year, the airport recorded a 13% total year-on-year growth in passenger numbers.

Since 4 May 2001, Copenhagen Airports has owned 49% of the shares in Newcastle International Airport, operating a public private partnership with the airport. The other shareholders are seven local authorities in northern England organised in a holding company: Newcastle Airport Local Authority Holding Company Limited. Together, the two principal shareholders have formed the company NIAL Holdings Plc.