British Airways is in the final stages of negotiating a new route to Nashville for launch early next year.
The airline is understood to be almost ready to confirm the start of services to the Tennessee city. A BA spokesperson said the airline “could not confirm anything”, but the local Tennessean newspaper says the announcement of the new flight could come as early as next week.
The country music capital has been without a direct UK service for well over a decade. Previously, American Airlines flew the route from Gatwick.
The Tennessean says that local business leaders and tourism officials have been lobbying for the direct flight for several years and says sources have revealed that an announcement is imminent.
As well as being on the tourist trail, nearby Franklin houses a major base for Nissan, which will attract premium traffic for BA. Nashville airport is also redeveloping its international arrivals building and is keen to attract new services.