New long-haul service from Newcastle 'justified'

The first-ever long-haul service from out of Newcastle Airport has been justified by ticket sales, it has been suggested.

Laurie Berryman, manager of Emirates UK North, the airline which launched the new Newcastle to Australia route, told the Sunderland Echo that the north-eastern public has responded well to the new service.

Over 2,000 people have booked up for the new route down under, which stops off in the Middle East, while September 1st will see the launch of a direct service to Dubai.

Ms Berryman said: "We've had a fantastic response to the launch. The first two flights have sold out in record time, filling up more than two months in advance - the best sales we've ever had for a UK launch."

Other destinations that can be reached from Newcastle Airport include Barcelona and Prague.

Emirates recently appointed Bill McPherson as its first airport services manager at the north-eastern hub.

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