Cheap flights across the pond set to start soon

THE countdown has started to the launch of cheap transatlantic travel from Birmingham Airport, with flights to New York available from just £149.

The new New York service is being launched by Primera Air on May 18, with the airline making a special visit to the Midlands to start the countdown.

The budget Latvian airline is also starting a transatlantic service to Toronto, as well as European routes to Malaga, Barcelona, Palma and Crete.

Primera Air’s chief commercial officer Anastasija Visnakova made a trip to the Midlands to meet members of the region’s business community today.

Ms Visnakova said: “We have created over 50 jobs - flights deck, cabin crew and ground staff.

“We are coming for the long-term and hopefully we will see great demand.

“We are really looking to open up new routes and destinations.

“Our strongest area is Scandinavia but the UK is a very important market for us and we are going to be operating from Birmingham and Stansted airports.”

As to bagging a bargain Ms Visnakova said the airline was able to offer New York and Toronto fares from as little as £149 one-way due to its brand new Airbus A321 Neos aircraft, configured with 16 premium economy seats and 182 economy seats.

She said: “Primera is able to offer low fares due to its brand new fuel efficient Airbus A321 Neos, which means that these services are accessible to all pockets - whether travelling on holiday, visiting loved ones or flying for business.”