Northwest Airlines has become the latest US carrier to announce it would launch services from London Heathrow when the Open Skies agreement between America and the European Union comes into force.

The carrier has said it will launch daily direct services from Heathrow to Detroit, Minneapolis/St. Paul and Seattle.

Minneapolis services will be the first to launch on 30 March, the first day possible under Open Skies. The flight will leave at 1425 from Heathrow, arriving in Minneapolis at 1725. Return time is 2145, arriving in London at 1215 the next day.

Detroit services start on 2 May with services timed at 2050 from Heathrow and returning from Detroit at 1750. British Airways recently announced it was cancelling its services to the US city. Seattle services begin on 2 June, with flights at 1830 from Heathrow and 2220 from the US.

Doug Steenland, President and CEO 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. This also gives Heathrow travellers the opportunity to experience our brand new A330 fleet and our premier World Business class service. 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.”

The services have been made possible through a joint venture with Northwest’s Skyteam partner KLM, which has spare slots at Heathrow,

Christine Ourmières, general manager for Air France KLM UK & Ireland, said: “This announcement heralds a new era for KLM Northwest in the UK and I’m convinced that these routes will be a success. We look forward to ramping up our presence at one of the world’s busiest airports next spring. In addition to the London Heathrow service, Northwest will also continue to operate daily round-trip flights between London Gatwick and Detroit, giving customers two great options from the South East.”

All the new services will be operated using Airbus A330s equipped with up to 34 lie-flat (176 degree recline) business class seats and 264 economy seats.

Northwest will join US Airways, United, Continental and Delta in launching Heathrow services from next spring.