London Stansted has flights from the U.S.A. for first time in nine years
07/26/2017
More options, more choice in U.S.A-U.K. travel
Transatlantic traveler options just got better with the announcement that a new U.S.A- London route will be inaugurated from April 2018.
In fact, it's two services, since the London Stansted service will fly to New York Newark and Boston Logan.The routes will be run by Danish carrier Primera, and it will be the first scheduled flight to the U.S.A from London Stansted in nine years.
London Stansted Airport
Stansted Airport, like most 'London' airports, is not actually in London. It is located about fifty miles North-East of the capital in the county of Essex, making it accessible from the East of England and the South Midlands, as well as London itself.London Stansted has a railway station that goes to London Liverpool Street, and has frequent bus services to destinations all over the U.K. By car it is situated off the M11 motorway, fifty minutes from London. From the airport there are extensive onward connections to Europe and beyond.
Another Flight Expected Soon
The New York (Newark) service will fly every day from April 2018 and the Boston Logan service four times a week, from May. Aviation watchers will also be waiting with anticipation for another announcement, expected from Primera, later this summer about yet another U.S. route from London Stansted.In addition to the flight announcements, Primera is investing in London Stansted with the opening of a new base.
Primera will fly Airbus A321NEO aircraft, which will offer both business and low fare economy seating.Wi-fi is free, and onboard charging points will be provided. The airline states that, with the efficiency advantages of these new aircraft, they will provide 'unprecedented fares.'Both Stansted and the carrier seem confident that there is untapped demand in London and the East of England for flights to Boston and New York.
A first in aviation history
The new state of the art Airbus A321NEO aircraft will be in addition to the B737's, with which Primera flies to more than seventy European destinations.The new route is the first time that narrow-bodied aircraft, like Airbus, have flown non-stop across the Atlantic. Previously only wide-bodied aircraft had serviced transatlantic routes.
So who are Primera?
Well, we already know that they are Danish and they are headquartered in Copenhagen. Originally founded in 2003 as Jetx, they have expanded rapidly in recent years, and (in addition to the London Stansted base) they are opening new hubs in Birmingham, England, and Paris Charles de Gaulle. Figures from 2014 show they had an impressive 91% passenger occupancy rate.
Highly Competitive Business Model
Primera's business model is kind of interesting; they offer mainly scheduled services, but also charter. It has increased the number of flights on its most popular routes especially to southern Spain, and its great value prices make it a competitor to rapidly expanding low-cost titan Norwegian. Well-known holiday destinations make up the bulk of its flights, but they also operate services to Dubai, Milan, and Rome.
Other Bases being established
It should be noted that Birmingham and Paris Charles de Gaulle will also run New York Newark and Boston Logan services. The Birmingham-New York (Newark) flight replaces the United Airlines service, which is withdrawn from October this year.
Conclusion
New Airline Routes are always to be welcomed; they increase choice and competition, and Primera appear to be about to offer some great value airfares.