Stansted anticipates AA arrival

Stansted Airport is preparing to join the transatlantic club with the launch of new routes to the US next year.

Stansted Airport is preparing to join the transatlantic club with the launch of new routes to the US next year.

The twice daily flights between Britain's third airport and New York's JFK will commence next April.

While Stansted already operates direct flights to New York, the arrival of a major US carrier in the form of American Airlines (AA) is seen as a major coup.

A spokesman for the airport said the move would be a "significant moment" in Stansted's development.

"With the introduction of American Airlines both business and leisure passengers will have direct access to the airlines expansive route network from their JFK hub, which connects directly to nearly 200 destinations across the Americas and Caribbean," the spokesman said.

Stansted could be in line for expansion in the future as the government looks to provide additional airport capacity.

Despite opposition from local residents and environmentalists, the Essex airport has the scope to grow.