Edinburgh now linked to JFK with new direct flights

Another direct route to and from Edinburgh will begin next year with the announcement of the American Airlines daily flights to New York’s JFK airport.

Running from May until September, the new daily service will offer Scottish passengers more choice of how they can travel to New York and onward destinations throughout North America. Offering convenient journey times, the flight will depart Edinburgh at 9:15am and arrive in JFK at approximately 11:45am (EST).

This will be the first time an American Airlines aircraft will touch down at Edinburgh following their merger with US Airways. Not only will Scottish passengers be able to take full advantage of the service, US visitors will also be able to benefit from increased connectivity into Scotland during the summer tourist season.

Officially starting on 7th May 2015, the new link between Edinburgh and JFK will join Air Canada Rouge and United Airlines which, after a hugely successful summer season in 2014, are both returning to the Scottish capital with links to Toronto and Chicago. It will also add to United’s existing twice-daily service to Newark.

American Airlines will be operating their Boeing 757-200 which comes equipped with 16 lie-flat premium cabin seats.

Welcoming the news, Gordon Dewar, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Airport, said: “New York is one of the most famous cities in the world and one of our most popular international destinations. We’re confident that this new service will be a hit with Scottish passengers, both for visitors to the Big Apple and those travelling to onward destinations across America.

“As Scotland’s busiest airport we’re committed to providing our passengers with the best choice of destinations and airport experience. We’re delighted to be working with American Airlines and look forward to the launch of this new service next year.”

Scottish Transport Minister Keith Brown said: “I warmly welcome this new direct route between Edinburgh and New York, which will no doubt be popular with tourists and business travellers alike.

“Scotland and the USA share close cultural and historic bonds and this service will only serve to strengthen them, giving Scottish companies a direct link to America’s biggest city and making it even easier for American visitors to experience our wonderful tourist offering.

“We could attract more direct flights like this one to Scotland by cutting rates of Air Passenger Duty, something that we don’t currently have the power to do but which has wide support in the aviation industry.

“I congratulate Edinburgh Airport and American Airlines on this new route and look forward to seeing it take off next summer.”