07/10/2004

First-ever direct Belfast-New York air route announced

The first-ever direct air route between Belfast and New York has been announced today.

The new route will be operated by Continental Airlines between Belfast International Airport and New York’s Newark Airport and is due to become operational by June 2005.

Enterprise Minister Barry Gardiner said the new route would “provide an essential competitive edge for Northern Ireland’s businesses in developing closer links with international markets”.

Speaking at today’s announcement in Belfast, Mr Gardiner said: “The impact of a direct air route between Belfast and the financial capital of the world’s biggest, most influential economy cannot be understated. Continental Airlines and Belfast International Airport are to be congratulated for this venture.”

Leslie Morrison, Chief Executive of Invest NI, a key player in securing the route, said: “North America is a key export market for local manufacturing companies, accounting for 22% of total NI manufacturing exports – valued in the region of $1.6bn. New York is also the American financial centre with many of the international banks and financial institutions located there.

“This new route will not only provide direct and quicker access to New York, but one stop access to connecting destinations in North and South America.”

The service will operate daily during the summer and four times a week during the winter when flights finally begin next year.

(MB/GMCG)

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