Airline start-up Fly Atlantic plans to launch low cost transatlantic services from Belfast International Airport to key North American cities with six aircraft from summer 2024.

Andrew Pyne, its chief executive, said that the lack of direct transatlantic services was hindering the region’s economic and tourism development. “The project can be a game changer,” he said. Initially, the airline says it will employ 50 people at Belfast International Airport and 250 crew.

Pyne added that the new airline which is currently in talks with Airbus and Boeing about supplying narrowbody aircraft plans to grow the fleet to eight aircraft by 2028. Once fully operational, it plans to serve 35 destinations and employ 1,000 people.