Bristol International Airport has returned from the USA following promising talks with both Continental Airlines and American Airlines, to secure the airport’s first transatlantic route.
Discussions between the US airlines and Bristol International focussed on the introduction of a non-stop flight to New York by Summer 2005.
Commenting on the outcome of the trip Tony Hallwood, Aviation Development Director at Bristol, said:
“Both American Airlines and Continental Airlines responded very positively to the data and presentations provided by the airport and, as a direct result, they have now agreed to undertake in-depth route evaluations. Given that the West of England has the largest unserved catchment area to the USA in Western Europe, and that a projected figure of 100,000 passengers would use a direct flight from Bristol International each year, we are confident that Bristol stands an excellent chance of becoming the UK’s next transatlantic gateway.”
Further discussions are expected to take place between Bristol International and the two US airlines in the Spring, following the outcome of their route evaluations.
US route facts:
Bristol International Airport’s research shows that:
– 139,000 people from the region currently fly from London to the USA each year
– A direct daily flight from Bristol to the US would bring 315,000 North American passengers to South West region each year
– As well as providing superb links for the region’s businesses, it is predicted that each US visitor to the South West would spend around £500 on transport, hotels, and leisure whilst in the region, and that the total contribution to the region could be £12 million each year.
By: MINIDOH - 1st March 2004 at 20:55
Its unbelievable (but I know you arent lying!) that they can get 767’s and DC-10’s into BRS. As you say Mark L, the range is limited! I often fly in and out with from BRS in a 733/734 normally and they often leave the reverse thrust on right up to the end of the runway. They must use max autobrake on a full DC-10 or 767!!!!! 😀
By: Mark L - 1st March 2004 at 20:13
They CAN take 767s and DC10s, but obviously range is severely limited.
By: EAL_KING - 1st March 2004 at 20:02
it will be a 757 american airlines have started a 757 to the uk cant remember where and bristol is capale to handle the 757 as myt britannia air 2000 all have one based there in the summer and it can handle the 767 just i think duno
By: MINIDOH - 1st March 2004 at 18:55
Well it wont be with the big heavy metals from what I know. I believe, and I say again, BELIEVE that the biggest they can get into Bristol is a 757, and thats only just. Plus there is no room to expand the current runway, so there wont be any 777’s/767’s/747’s flying from the US to Bristol (unless they build a new runway as the current one basically goes straight up to the end of a hill and then its a very big drop, and at the other end is an A road with another hill not too far away).
By: brenmcc1 - 1st March 2004 at 16:30
Cardiff already have routs to the US but with Uk airlines, My travel and Thomson. I THINK.
By: robbelc - 1st March 2004 at 16:08
Have they extended the runway at BRI reciently. Its a few years since I have been there but it didn’t look long enough for a 767 full load? 757 of CO would be fine. Cardiff is a bit remote from the main tourist areas for any American passengers wanting to go to the Cotswolds of Devon.
By: Arabella-Cox - 1st March 2004 at 16:01
I think someone should fly a EWR scheduled from NCL. We’ve been waiting long enough!! I think BA used to operate 747’s out of NCL in the 80’s.
By: OSL-Spotter - 1st March 2004 at 14:51
Continental will start to fly every day to Oslo from 18th june, so I am extremly happy. Mainly with a 757…
By: EAL_KING - 1st March 2004 at 13:46
dont know if cardiff are in the run probably not thoug as they might not see a prfitable route to cardiff but bristol is close to the roman baths cornwall and devon gloucster and oxford so it would seem a brill idea to see them come to my region also it would be good to see a continental or american airlines low over here 😀
By: andrewm - 1st March 2004 at 00:27
Continental are apartently finalising with Belfast Intl as well for something but thats been going around for clsoe to 6 months now!
By: dan777 - 1st March 2004 at 00:01
Does seem to make sense. Is Cardiff in the run for it too or is it just Bristol?
Dont think you can go wrong with a USA route especially NY from a busy U.K airport due to the strong ties etc.
Maybe easyJet could feed some passengers into the airport lol 😀
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February 29, 2004 at 11:11 pm