Caroline Flint MP welcomes
direct flight to New York

29 October 2007

Don Valley MP Caroline Flint MP welcomed the first direct flight from Doncaster to New York as the future of transatlantic travel from Yorkshire.

Said Ms Flint: "This one-off flight is proof that Robin Hood Airport is capable of direct transatlantic flights. At present flights from Yorkshire can take 12 to 15 hours to get to New York. This flights takes about eight and a half hours.

"It makes the world of difference to long haul passengers if they don't have to fly via Amsterdam or London to get to New York. Direct flights with a full passenger load are simply shorter, more efficient and better for the environment.

"I hope we will soon see regular scheduled flights from Doncaster to New York."

Ms Flint said: "At the time of the public enquiry opponents of the airport claimed it would never have transatlantic flights. In just two and half years, Robin Hood has flown to the USA, Mexico, Caribbean and Canada. This airport has proved its critics wrong on every count."

ENDS

For further information: contact Phil Cole on 07950 635393. PR7 064 new york