THE region's first direct flights to New York will be introduced for a trial period next year, subject to Government approval, it was announced this morning.

United Airlines will run non-stop flights between Newcastle and its New York hub, Newark Liberty International Airport, five days a week between May 23 and September 7.

The news was announced in a press conference at Newcastle Airport this morning.

Flights will depart Newcastle at 9.10am daily except Wednesday and Thursday, with a journey time to the US of just under eight hours.

Bob Schumacher, United's managing director of sales in the UK and Ireland, said: "We’re very excited about introducing non-stop flights to New York from Newcastle.

“We’ll be offering the people of North-East England easy, convenient travel options not only to New York City but also to destinations throughout the Americas.

"United already offers trans-Atlantic service from more cities in the U.K. than any other airline and we’ve every reason to be confident that this new service will be a success.”

The flights will be operated by Boeing 757-200 aircraft with a total of 169 seats – 16 flat-bed seats in United BusinessFirst and 153 in United Economy, including 45 Economy Plus seats with added legroom and increased personal space.

David Laws, chief executive of Newcastle Airport, described the route as a 'game-changer'.

He said: "For many years, everywhere I go, people have been stopping me and asking, when is the North-East going to get a New York service?

“I have been clear throughout that this is a route that we have been determined to deliver for the region.

"We have been carefully and quietly working behind the scenes, with our shareholders, to secure what will be another game-changing new route.

"I am delighted today that we are finally able to make the announcement everyone has been hoping for. United Airlines is the best airline to operate this service.

"They have an exceptional track record of linking U.K. regions to their New York/Newark hub, where customers can then connect to over one hundred onward destinations.”

Councillor Iain Malcolm, Leader of South Tyneside Council and lead of the LA7 group of Newcastle Airport shareholders, added: “This new service will be hugely significant, in terms of further enhancing regional connectivity, growing the regional economy, attracting inward investment and encouraging inbound tourism from North America.

"The local authorities and our partner organisations will work hard to make the route a success.

"We will work with tourism bodies to promote the region to a new audience and we will work with the business community to increase awareness of the connectivity opened up.”

David Rees, Senior AMP representative on the Board of Newcastle Airport, said: “I am delighted, on behalf or AMP Capital, that the airport has secured a service to New York. Newcastle is one of the most successful regional airports in the UK, and today’s news will cement this position.

"We look forward to working with the airport and our fellow shareholders to ensure the route is a success and that the airport and the North East reap the benefits for years to come.”

For more information and to book flights visit united.com or call 0845-607-67-60.