British Airways customers flying from Gatwick will soon be able to wing their way directly to the US East Coast when the airline starts direct flights to New York next year.

From May 1st British Airways will fly customers in to the city that never sleeps.

Customers will travel on a three-cabin Boeing 777, offering a choice of 40 seats in Club World, 24 in World Traveller Plus and 216 in World Traveller.

It will make British Airways the only airline to offer flights to New York from all three of London’s main airports; Gatwick, Heathrow and London City.

Lynne Embleton, British Airways’ managing director at Gatwick said: “The new route from Gatwick to New York’s JFK airport will enable us to offer access to a third London airport, giving our customers maximum choice and flexibility.

“New York is British Airways’ flagship Atlantic route and will always be one of the most popular destinations for holidaymakers and business travellers alike.

“The flight will offer fantastic connections to our extensive network of short-haul flights to 112 destinations across Europe.

“The new route also complements our almost hourly service from Heathrow, thanks to our transatlantic Joint Business with American Airlines.

“Customers can choose from 13 daily British Airways flights and another three on American Airlines to New York, as well as our double-daily business class only service from London City.”

Daily flights on the BA2273 will depart from Gatwick at 16:40 to make the Atlantic crossing, arriving into New York’s JFK airport at 19:30.

The returning BA2272 will depart JFK at 20:00 and land back at Gatwick at 10:10 the next day.

Customers on board the new transatlantic service can enjoy fully-flat seats in Club World, fine dining, complimentary drinks and a generous baggage allowance.