Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) has confirmed its intention to expand its network of routes to the US.
LBA spokesman Tony Hallwood said passenger numbers have risen substantially as a result of new flights to Europe and that the regional airport is looking to expand into new markets.
Focusing on the States would mean people living in the LBA catchment area would now find transatlantic travel easier than ever before, he added.
Mr Hallwood affirmed: “There is now less need for people to trawl down to London to connect to flights worldwide.”
Alluding to the long-term implications of the strategy, the spokesman went on to explain that it would open up a “range of new linkages” across North America.
According to the Civil Aviation Authority, regional airports handled more than 40 per cent of air passengers in Britain last year.
