US airline pledges continued support for Birmingham Airport

United Airlines

West Midlands companies looking to boost their exports by trading with businesses in the United States are set to energise the region and bring it to the attention of global investors.

With many firms fearful of what the future might look like in a post-Brexit world, the more enterprising are already looking to other territories for their international trade opportunities.

China had been the preferred choice for many firms in recent years, with the result that the West Midlands became one of the few UK regions to have China as it top trading partner.

However, latest trade figures show the situation has reverted to the norm with the US reclaiming the top spot from China as the number one destination for West Midlands exported goods.

In 2015 the West Midlands exported £5.4bn of goods to the US, 30% up on the previous year.

One of the major factors determining successful transatlantic trade will be connectivity, in particular air travel.

The ability to travel easily to US-based customers will be crucial to clinching new business – as it will for US firms looking to travel in the opposite direction.

With the Midlands Engine taking on added significance in the new economic climate, the importance of Birmingham Airport as the international gateway to the region is taking on added significance.

However, its status was dealt a major blow last month when American Airlines ended its New York JFK service.
From a financial perspective, the loss of the service is not a major blow to the airport, however, in terms of prestige such a move was disappointing.

Nevertheless, the airport has proved its resilience in the past and will do so again.

In terms of transatlantic connectivity, it has been keen to highlight it still serves New York, via airline United.

In fact, the airline is celebrating something of a milestone in terms of its Birmingham flights.

July marks the airline’s twentieth anniversary of operations from Birmingham to Newark, and during that time more than two million passengers have used the busy route.

William Pearson, Aviation Director for Birmingham Airport, said: “United Airlines serves vital transatlantic connections for the region’s business and leisure communities and has shown unwavering commitment to Birmingham over the last 20 years.
 
“Providing non-stop flights to New York gives customers a reliable service and flexibility, boosting our economy by plugging the Midlands Engine into global opportunities.”

Significantly, United operates a hub from Newark and this provides onward connections to more than 300 destinations throughout North, Central and South America and the Caribbean, including more than 100 non-stop flights.

The airline said 40% of its passengers connected through Newark to other parts of the globe.

Popular onward destinations taken by Birmingham Airport passengers include Las Vegas, San Francisco and Los Angeles.  

Bob Schumacher, managing director sales – UK & Ireland, United AirlinesBob Schumacher (left), United’s managing director sales – UK & Ireland, said Birmingham was an important destination for the airline and it had no intention of abandoning it like its rival had.
 
“United is proud to have served Birmingham Airport for almost two decades, and we thank all of our customers who have chosen to fly with us during this time,” he said.

“Birmingham is an important airport for us and we think that with the onset of the Midlands Engine then it is only going to grow in prominence.

“The West Midlands is such an important part of the UK economy and the ability of businesses in the region to have good access to the United States is vital. Our non-stop service offers customers in the Midlands access not only to New York City but also to hundreds of other destinations throughout the Americas.”

The West Midlands has also seen a 188% increase in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) projects since 2011/12, with 81 new FDI projects in 2015/16, creating and safeguarding over 5,000 jobs. US firms have been the most prominent investors, accounting for 32% of all projects.

In surveys conducted by Midlands Connect in 2015, 71% of Midlands businesses with international customers said that Birmingham Airport was their most important airport.

Aviation Minister, Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, said, “Aviation plays a crucial role in our economy, creating jobs, opening up new tourism opportunities and building vital business links.  I am delighted that United Airlines has shown strong and lasting commitment to Birmingham Airport, helping strengthen links between the UK and US while boosting the Midlands Engine.”

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