Officials ‘begin talks over a transatlantic “air bridge” to allow travel between NYC and London’

American officials are said to be in talks with members of the British Government about creating a potential ‘transatlantic air bridge’ which would allow air travel between New York City and London amid the coronavirus pandemic. 

An anonymous source told Britain’s The Telegraph on Wednesday that the ‘discussions are going on at a very senior level’ and that the air bridge would ‘be vital to get business going again’. 

When approached for a comment, a spokesperson from the United Kingdom’s Department for Transport did not deny the claims. 

DailyMail.com has contacted the Federal Aviation Authority and representatives from the New York state and city governments for a statement. 

Under current rules, UK citizens are prohibited from vacationing in the United States under an order put into place by President Trump back in March. 

Meanwhile, US citizens are able to fly to the United Kingdom, but are required to isolate for 14 days or risk a $1,245 fine.  

Under the potential new rules, New York City residents would not be required to quarantine in London, and could immediately start sight-seeing. 

Likewise, residents arriving from London would likely be able to step off the plane and head out to explore the Big Apple. 

The move may anger some American citizens, given that US residents from 28 states currently have to self-isolate for 14 days after arriving in New York City. 

It’s believed the ‘transatlantic air bridge’ would only be for residents of New York City and London and other areas where COVID-19 transmission rates are low. 

The fact that the arrangement  would not be open to all UK and US citizens could spark accusations of cultural elitism, 

New York City was once the global epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic, but recent case numbers have been quite low. 

The cumulative number of new COVID-19 cases over the past week is at 7.2 per 100,000 residents. Last week, Mayor Bill de Blasio revealed that just 0.24 percent of coronavirus tests are now returning positive results. 

On Tuesday, the Big Apple reported just 260 new cases of the virus. 

Meanwhile, the cumulative number of new cases in London is a littler higher, at 11.3 per 100,000 residents. 

However, the city has also managed to flatten its curve. 

Businesses in both New York City and London have been crushed by the coronavirus pandemic, and many tourist-related enterprises are struggling to survive. 

While many tourist attractions have been closed for months, several are now starting to reopen, which could give a much-needed economic boost as winter approaches. 

Museums in the Big Apple have been given permission to reopen at a 25 percent capacity. The Metropolitan Museum of Art is set to start accepting visitors from this coming Saturday. 

Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade will also go ahead in November.  

However, if the transatlantic air bridge does come to fruition, UK visitors can still expect New York City to look and feel a little different. 

Broadway will remain shuttered until at least next January, and the city is currently seeing an alarming uptick in violent crime.