Delta Air Lines is today (May 27) launching its new route between Edinburgh and New York’s JFK airport.
The service will operate daily between Edinburgh and New York throughout the year. The route will initially be served by a 163-seat Boeing 757 before Delta switches to a larger 210-seat Boeing 767 from June 9 for the summer months.
Frank Jahangir, Delta’s vice president sales for Europe, Middle East and Africa, said: “As the only year-round non-stop flight between Edinburgh and New York-JFK, we are confident that the route will expand trade and tourism opportunities.”
The flight leaves Edinburgh at 1.10pm for arrival at JFK at 3.43pm. The return leaves JFK at 10.45pm to arrive back in the Scottish capital at 10.50am the next day. Virgin Atlantic will also codeshare on the route, as part of its transatlantic agreement with Delta, which owns 49 per cent of Virgin.
Gordon Dewar, Edinburgh airport’s CEO, added: “This direct new route between Edinburgh and New York is a great statement of confidence from Delta Air Lines both in this city and in Scotland.
“It is further confirmation of Edinburgh airport’s position as the leader for connectivity from Scotland to the US. I congratulate Delta for recognising the growing international demand for direct links to Edinburgh, and this move shows that they have similar aspirations for growth as we do.”
American Airlines also offers a summer service on the Edinburgh-New York JFK route (with British Airways codesharing), while United operates year-round flights from the Scottish capital to Newark airport.
United has also restarted its summer service between Newcastle and JFK with frequencies increased from four to six flights per week until September 6.