Passengers are snapping up services to big cities
AMERICA is opening up to north-west air passengers after a big boom in transatlantic flights from Manchester Airport.
Ticket sales for the first flights to Washington DC have soared and new daily jets to Chicago started today.
Bosses at bmi British Midland, who have launched the double service, are also considering opening up more destinations when they buy more aircraft in 2002.
Ringway-based general manager Tony Williams said: ''We've had a big take-up for Washington in the first four weeks of operation and pre-bookings for Chicago are already very healthy.
''Many flights are packed and we are averaging around 75 per cent fill which is excellent for the start of a service.
''We have invested a lot of money here because we want Manchester to become a major hub.''
The bmi launch adds to existing Ringway flights from rival carriers to Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, New York, Orlando and Philadelphia.
Thousands of businessmen and tourists are also using connecting services to popular spots including Florida, Los Angeles and Miami.
bmi's inaugural flight was marked with an appearance by EastEnders villain Nick Cotton - actor John Altman - who is to star in hit musical Chicago at Manchester's Opera House in September.
He was joined at Ringway by dancing girls from the smash hit West End show, which is due to start a national tour.
John said: ''We're looking forward to bringing our own brand of Chicago razzmatazz to Manchester.''
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