New York flights back on Welsh Government agenda
21.08.11
Hopes of launching the first scheduled flights from Wales to North America have been rekindled, the Western Mail reports. American airline Delta have been in discussion with the Welsh Government over a daily service to New York's JFK Airport from Cardiff Airport.
The airline is looking for a financial commitment to finance potential losses in its first 3 years of operation, as it establishes the route. A feasibility study commissioned by the Welsh Government estimated losses of up to £1.4m would be incurred in the first few years of the service.
The window of opportunity for Delta committing one of its aircraft for the route this year has closed, but talks have continued between the airline and Cardiff Airport. Welsh Government officials will also look to resume direct talks with the airline, with the hope that an agreement can be reached that would see a Cardiff to New York route launched next year, the newspaper reports.
The route would provide a hub service for connecting Delta flights to key destinations in the US and Canada, as well as the Caribbean and Mexico. If the Welsh Government does commit funding, it would have to find a way around EU legislation that prevents direct funding by Governments to airlines. This could be done through money assigned for an in-flight marketing campaign promoting Wales or training support, the newspaper suggests.
To book cardiff airport hotel or cardiff airport car park at the lowest price, click on these links to two great cardiff airport car parking and cardiff airport hotel price comparison pages.
