Start spreading the news - New York service takes off from LJLA

Yoko Ono today visited John Lennon Airport once again to join in celebrations to mark the departure of the first scheduled airline service from Liverpool John Lennon Airport to New York.

Ms Ono joined invited guests, Airport Management and passengers to celebrate the departure of the inaugural Flyglobespan flight to New York’s JFK Airport. The aircraft used by the airline on this route has been specially painted with the Airport’s logo including the famous self portrait drawing by John Lennon and the strapline “above us only sky”. The aircraft has been named ‘Across the Universe’, following a suggestion by Ms Ono who was on hand to cut the ribbon at a special ceremony at the aircraft steps ahead of the first passengers boarding the flight.

Ms Ono, who has attended the Airport on a number of occasions following the rebranding to John Lennon Airport in 2001 said,
"As you all know, John had a tremendous fondness for both of these cities. He would have been delighted that there is now a direct flight between these two historic cities – across the Universe, so to speak. It’s a great day for both Liverpudlians and New Yorkers. Best wishes from me to you. Yoko.”

Robert Hough, Chairman of Peel Airports said:
“We are delighted that Yoko Ono could join us today in celebrating this important connection from LJLA. Liverpool and New York already have strong, historic links established through many years of maritime trade. The Port of Liverpool, also now owned by Peel, is currently the top UK port for UK-USA and UK-Canada container trade. Today opens up new opportunities for Liverpool and the region and it is fitting this has taken place in the 800th anniversary of the City of Liverpool. Many US tourists are already attracted to the region and all it has to offer and we are pleased to strengthen this link further today in the run up to the City’s Capital of Culture celebrations”.

The first airlink with New York from Liverpool takes off almost 100 years to the day that the first passenger sea link departed from Liverpool.

The Adriatic was a 25,000 tonne passenger ship belonging to the “White Star Line Steamers” fleet. Carrying 3,000 passengers and taking several days to reach New York, today’s flight is a milestone in Liverpool’s historic links with New York – and a testament to modern technology with a flight time of only 6 hours and all modern comforts for passengers.
Tom Dalrymple Chairman of Flyglobespan said:
"I am immensely proud that Flyglobespan is linking two such exciting cities.
"I am very pleased that we are able to offer such competitive fares on our daily scheduled JFK route allowing the people of Liverpool to enjoy one of the world’s most exciting and dynamic cities flying from their local airport."