FINAL preparations are underway ahead of the launch of the transatlantic scheduled service from the North-East, which starts in a month.

The United Airlines non stop five-days-a-week service from Newcastle Airport to Newark/New York takes off on May 23 and offers onward connections to hundreds of destinations including Las Vegas and Florida.

Read business editor Andy Richardson's review of his trip with United Airlines to New York City

As the final countdown begins, thousands of holidaymakers and business travellers have already booked on the service to the Big Apple.

David Laws, chief executive at Newcastle International Airport, said: “United has a significant number of staff based in the UK and the US planning the operation of the new service this summer.

“The team planning the service have been covering all the different areas needed to establish the service including maintenance, catering, passenger handling services, cargo, flight operations and crew accommodation. There’s a lot of planning behind the scenes for all new services and this one is extra special.

“A small team from United Airlines will be in Newcastle shortly prior to launch, for dry runs and to help the staff based here become comfortable with handling the new flight. This will be their fourth visit ahead of the route launch to ensure everything is perfect for our passengers.

“In addition to UK residents travelling on to North America for business or for leisure, the service makes the North-East much more accessible for inbound travel from the States, and we are working with partners over there to promote the route.

“We have also been promoting the new service across the North-East, Cumbria and North Yorkshire through visits to travel agencies, advertising and through some sponsorship deals within and outside the airport. It is now really down to the region to take advantage of this fantastic service so that United Airlines return and expand the operation in 2016.”

The number one destination is New York, but the service is proving popular for trips to Florida, Las Vegas, Chicago, Washington, Boston, Toronto, Los Angeles and San Francisco, the airport said. In all, more than 300 onward connections are available via Newark.

Mr Laws added: “Passengers are making the most of United’s excellent route network to connect onto numerous further afield destinations. Some travellers are even using the flight to reach Hawaii. If you fancy visiting the United States and Canada this summer whether to tour, visit friends or family or laze in the sun, it’s not too late to book. Now is a good time to leap into action and visit your local travel agent either for a package holiday or a tailor made holiday.”

Visit www.united.com or call 0845 8 444 777

or

Newcastle International Airport