* Direct flight to USA - much like the route buses have gone down, partnerships and cartels in the industry along with 'interchange hubs', mean this is unlikely to take off (excuse the pun) soon. Unless there is a major demand for direct flights, regular/scheduled stuff from Newcastle will continue to feed into Schipol, CDG, Heathrow and Dubai.
Comparing it to buses - as much as a direct link between Bishop Auckland and Sunderland might benefit commuters and private enterprise, unless the operators see a massive demand or major profit, it isn't likely to happen soon. You can still make the journey with a change at Durham. The same can be said for flights between Newcastle and New York...


I'm sure that American Airlines had signed an agreement in 2001, to operate a daily flight to JFK, but pulled out in the wake 9/11 and downturn in air travel. Newcastle International Airport had already started work to provide air bridges for their use. Eventually Emirates were persuaded to come in, and the rest they say is history.