American Airlines Cancels plans for Newcastle – New York...

:(

American Airlines has advised Newcastle International Airport that as a result of continued high jet fuel prices and economic conditions in the US airline industry, it has been forced to reconsider its network expansion plans for 2006. Regrettably, this includes cancellation of the Newcastle – New York service.

John Parkin, Chief Executive, Newcastle International commented, “While we are of course hugely disappointed at this news, we understand the exceptional market conditions faced by US airlines in general. In particular, the massive and sustained rise in fuel prices in the wake of hurricanes Rita and Katrina. We consider this to be a temporary set back to Newcastle’s plans to become a much needed transatlantic gateway for the North East region. We remain confident that it is only a matter of time before we secure such a service and together with ONE North East discussions are being reopened with a number of other airlines which had expressed interest in operating services between Newcastle and New York.

Craig Kreeger, American Airlines Vice President Europe and Pacific said, “We know that this will be a considerable disappointment to Newcastle Airport, One North East and the people of the region, particularly those who had planned to fly with us, We remain convinced that a route serving Newcastle and the North east would be an attractive opportunity given more stable market conditions in our industry. We regret that this decision will inconvenience customers who have already been ticketed and we will provide them with alternative flight options for their journeys or a full refund.” The telephone number for enquiries is 08457 789 789.

Alan Clarke, Chief Executive, One NorthEast said:

“We have all worked very hard to bring the New York route here; unfortunately, we are a victim of global forces beyond our control and American Airline’s decision is not a reflection on the region and its ability to deliver. One NorthEast is working together with Newcastle International to bring new routes and encourage investment in the region. We are very optimistic that a number of key new routes will be announced next year.”

Newcastle International Airport has announced 25 new routes in the past two and a half years and passenger numbers have risen from 3.47m to 5.22m in the same period, an increase of 50%. The airport, together with ONE is in discussions with a growing number of airlines around the world and is becoming established as one of the UK’s leading international airports.

American Airlines Cancels plans for Newcastle %26ndash; New York...

*#%26amp;%!!!! I was hoping to be able to take advantage of thse flights next year.Back to LHR...

American Airlines Cancels plans for Newcastle %26ndash; New York...

Noooooooooooooo........not fair!

I already had flights booked. I wonder what my alternative options are? not as convenient as Newcastle I%26#39;ll bet!!! :-(

Karen %26amp; Louise i was thinking of you both as i read this post..it is not fair

Thankyou Annette..I love the way that they give a helpline for people who already have flights booked and make them pay for the call!You%26#39;d think they%26#39;d at least make it an 0800 free number??

Karen i agree with you totally, such a big company were is the customer service?

p.s Not long now i can see your smile from across the Mersey.....

Why is it everything gets blamed on rising fuel prices! I think it%26#39;s more like they weren%26#39;t making the profit they thought they would. Irritates me I am so sick of hearing about rising fuel prices - argh!

Ok feeling calmer after my small rant!

Awww, nuts!

On the up side, you don%26#39;t have to fly AA. I much prefer Virgin.

Daisiegee, how many more days?

daisie...thats ok there is a good quality of staff at heathrow these days ;)

PFK...very true.

Bettina..12 days and counting. WOO HOO!!!!!!!!!!!

Nets...It%26#39;s geting broader by the day, believe me.