AA lands at Stansted

American Airlines, the world's biggest air carrier, touched down at Stansted airport for the first time today.

American Airlines landed at Stansted airport for the first time today, marking the beginning of a new economy and business class link to New York JFK.

Hollywood actor Christian Slater attended the ceremony on October 29th and cut the ribbon to mark the commencement of the service.

Stewart Wingate, managing director of the airport, said: "The arrival of such a world renowned airline is fantastic news for Stansted.

"Today marks the start of a long-awaited economy and business link direct to the United States that not only gives our business and leisure passengers direct access to American's hub at JFK, but also brings inbound tourism and business opportunities direct to the doorstep of the east of England."

The new American Airlines service will operate on a daily basis but is set to be augmented by a second daily flight from next spring.

This route is one of many introductions at Stansted today, with Eastern Airways beginning flights to Manchester, Ryanair launching to Billund in Denmark, easyJet flying to Madeira and TACV opening a connection to Cape Verde.