BUSINESS class airline Eos is to launch two new long-haul routes from Stansted Airport, it was announced yesterday.

BUSINESS class airline Eos is to launch two new long-haul routes from Stansted Airport, it was announced yesterday.

US-based Eos Airlines is to introduce flights between Stansted and Newark, New Jersey, from May, complementing its existing service between Stansted and New York JFK airport.

And from July, Eos will also start flying from Stansted to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, currently the world's fastest-growing city.

“Our community includes many guests and investors from the Gulf region who feel that Dubai and Eos are a perfect fit,” said Jack Williams, president and chief executive of Eos.

“UAE consumers appreciate products and services of the highest quality and we've created a travel experience that authentically reflects their lifestyle, an extension of the way they want to live while flying.

“In addition, our corporate and leisure travellers based in New Jersey have told us they are eagerly anticipating our route between London Stansted and Newark.”

The Stansted-Newark service is due to start on May 5, with tickets available from the middle of this month, and the Stansted-Dubai route will start on July 6, with tickets being issued from March.

Nick Barton, business development and planning director at Stansted Airport, said: “This is fantastic news and another positive step in taking forward our ambition to further develop long haul services, especially across new and emerging markets such as the Middle East, China and India from Stansted.

“Dubai is already established as a key destination for both business and leisure travellers, and its attraction to investors - particularly second home owners - will ensure this excellent new service from Eos will be greeted with excitement and delight by passengers from across the region.

“Stansted's proximity to the City of London and Canary Wharf business districts, its location on the doorstep of hi-tech industries around Cambridgeshire and ease of access to the East of England and wider South East are fast becoming recognised as important factors for airlines looking to offer passengers access into these key business regions,” he added.

“Eos has developed a very successful business from Stansted since its start up in 2005. New York JFK has grown to a four times daily service and the Newark connection will provide an enhanced service for both corporate and leisure passengers wishing to access New Jersey.

“It's our ambition to offer over 200 destinations direct from Stansted. We already serve over 160 today, across 35 countries and we're looking forward to welcoming our first direct link to the aviation hub of the Middle East, Dubai, in July and to supporting Eos as the airline further develops its route network from Stansted.”

Eos

Eos, which launched its first service in October 2005, operates the world's only fleet of Boeing 757s configured for just 48 passengers. Its expansion at Stansted is welcome news for the airport following the collapse of transatlantic operator Maxjet shortly before Christmas.

American Airlines is also introducing a second daily service from Stansted to New York JFK, starting on April 1.