Maxjet is the first to declare its hand, with at least two other companies bidding to start a similar service. One contender, Eos, failed to meet a planned mid-September launch but is due to take off next month having gained FAA approval. It will fly from Stansted with a 757 carrying 48 seats.

Another contender which appears to have dropped out of the rase is Fly First, which had planned service from Luton to Newark. But Maxjet is not expected to have the field to itself, with a fourth proposed start-up airline also in the wings.

Today's announcement from Maxjet revealed details of its service. All seats will have a 60 inch seat pitch, with free drinks and food and on-demand entertainment on portable consols. The airline's chief executive Gary Rogliano also says he plans to fly to other US cities from London in the future.

The fare of £599 one-way does not include taxes of around £80 return. The airline will also charge £60 for amendments and £180 cancellation fee.

British Airways and Virgin Atlantic are the biggest UK airlines on the London to New York route, which accounts for around 3.7 million passengers every year, according to the Civil Aviation Authority.

Further information: www.maxjet.com