More US flights from Heathrow next year

New flights have been announced that will connect Heathrow Airport to the United States, as the London hub continues to benefit from the Open Skies agreement signed by the EU and the US this year.

Northwest Airlines and its partner KLM Royal Dutch Airlines are the latest carriers to confirm new transatlantic services.

The flights will begin in spring 2008 and connect Heathrow to Detroit, Minneapolis St Paul and Seattle.

Passengers flying from Heathrow Airport will be able to access links to more than 250 destinations across the US via Northwest's hubs.

The American airline also operates services between Detroit and London Gatwick and this connection will be maintained alongside the Heathrow flights.

Doug Steenland, president and chief executive of Northwest, said: "The new Heathrow service is great news for customers, both business and leisure travellers, who prefer the convenient location and accessibility of the Heathrow airport."

He added: "Our Detroit and Minneapolis/St Paul hubs are the most efficient and uncongested connecting airports in the US and, together with our Seattle gateway, will link Heathrow to every point in America."