THE return of New York flights to the North-East must be the catalyst for more services arriving in the region, a senior aviation figure has said.

John Irving, Newcastle Airport’s business development director, said its continuing Transatlantic flights provide the perfect opportunity to attract more routes.

Mr Irving told The Northern Echo that far from resting on their laurels, bosses are working hard behind the scenes to improve the airport’s offering.

He said the drive is being helped by a new online campaign, known as Discover the World from Your Airport, which allows travellers to tailor their holiday requirements and secure their perfect getaway.

Newcastle last year extended its Big Apple adventure after airline United confirmed it would continue its non-stop services to Newark six times a week between May and September.

The airport’s daily Emirates flight to Dubai, launched nearly ten years ago, also remains a key driver of revenues, and Mr Irving said it was important such routes were enhanced by an ever-improving itinerary to other destinations.

He told The Northern Echo: “The aim now is to plan a new identity; we are listening to customers’ feedback, which is important to us and a big thing as we go forward.

“We are talking to people about the airport and the services.

“We are seeing the benefit of Emirates, which is going out every day at a high level, and United is key too, but we have to tell people it is here; people have got to use it.

“Last year was good for us but we need to be better.

“We have the airlines and the routes, but we are always looking for more opportunities; that is what we do.

“Everyone is looking for the next thing, we are not complacent, and customer service is important to us.

“That includes us asking ourselves; ‘what is our competition and where are people going from if they are not flying from here?’”.

Mr Irving, who previously worked as finance director at Newcastle United, reiterated the importance of its Discover campaign, which he said will help draw passengers in who may have flown from other sites in the past.

He added: “Our marketing campaign is all about telling people where they can go and it is a dedicated part of our website.

“It’s a constant reminder of everything we do and a great way for us to spread the word.

“Our region goes all the way down to North Yorkshire and across to Cumbria, so it’s important we tell people about the things we have here.

“We are in an industry where people have a great deal of choice; we have to be right at the top of the pile.”