American to challenge Stansted business carriers
American Airlines is to compete against all-business class carriers between Stansted and New York.
The airline is to start flights later this year from the Essex airport in competition with Eos and MAXjet.
The Stansted move is part of a shake-up of Ameican’s transatlantic services from London airports.
New routes will operate from Heathrow next year as the US-EU open skies arrangement comes into force.
From March 30, American will operate daily services from Heathrow to Dallas/Fort Worth and Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina.
The airline will run one daily departure from Gatwick and one from Heathrow non-stop to Dallas-Fort Worth instead of twice daily from Gatwick. to Dallas/Fort Worth.
The airline’s daily non-stop service between Gatwick and Raleigh/Durham will switch to Heathrow.
Stansted to New York JFK starts on October 29 with a daily, morning departure. A second frequency will be added in March.
The new services will be flown by two-class Boeing 767-300 aircraft with 221 seats, including 30 new business class seats.
Gerard Arpey, chairman and CEO of American Airlines said: “These are significant schedule developments and demonstrate a continuing commitment which is driven by the London market’s importance to our customers, as well as Heathrow’s worldwide connections through our oneworld® partners.
“This will be the first time London passengers using our DFW or Raleigh/Durham gateways will be able to fly directly to Heathrow.
“In addition, our new service to London Stansted will provide our travellers with an alternative London airport and convenient service into a growing business district.
“Our customers have asked for this choice of airports and we are going to meet that need at competitive prices.”
by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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