 Manston Airport was taken over by Infratil last August |
The first transatlantic flights are to take off next year from a Kent airport which went into administration in 2005, stranding 5,000 passengers abroad. Weekly flights to Norfolk, Virginia will take off from Manston International Airport next summer between May and October.
The airport's new owner, Infratil, said it would go a long way to restoring the confidence of the industry.
"Getting long-haul flights is fantastic," said a spokesman.
European Chief Executive, Steve Fitzgerald, said airlines were always worried about being the first to use an airport but he was sure others would follow.
Infratil took over the airport in August last year after previous owner PlaneStation went into administration.
Sister airline
Cosmos Holidays launched the new flights which will be operated by its sister airline, Monarch.
They were welcomed by the leader of Thanet District Council, Sandy Ezekiel, who said it was hoped American tourists to Britain would also use the service.
"The council is looking to promote its own area, then looking outside the local area to destinations such as Canterbury," he said.
"Looking further forward we have got the Olympic Games in 2012.
"What a position to be in when you have got an international airport with flights coming from America."
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