AIRPORT bosses have welcomed special guests to help count down the start of US services.

United Airlines cabin crew James Kelly and Lulu Riedstra visited Newcastle Airport ahead of the firm starting flights in May.

The duo were joined by a yellow New York taxi to mark United’s transatlantic services between Newcastle and the Newark Liberty International Airport hub, which will run until September.

Dave Laws, Newcastle Airport’s chief executive, previously told The Northern Echo the Big Apple could offer a passport for more international services.

He said the flights to New York will help bring millions of pounds into the site and support thousands of jobs.

Flights will initially be five times a week, but Mr Laws said if people were receptive, there was the potential for services to emulate Newcastle’s successful agreement with Emirates, which has seen the carrier fly more than one million passengers between the region and Dubai since 2007.

He added: “The New York flights have got to be a highlight.

“We are starting with five times a week and if it goes well we could look to increase that.

“We have to prove to United the region wants more services because this is a tremendous opportunity for the North-East.

“The United flights are key for us; they mean we can build on and mirror the successes we have enjoyed with Emirates.”