Delta Air Lines launches year-round Edinburgh-New York flight

Delta Air Lines will launch its new non-stop flight between Edinburgh and New York’s John F. Kennedy airports today, offering more onward connections and on-board amenities than any other airline serving this route.

The new service extends Delta’s UK network into Scotland and will operate year-round, offering customers a choice of 60 onward connections throughout the US including popular destination such as Los Angeles, Orlando and San Francisco.

“We’re looking forward to launching service to Scotland offering extensive travel options throughout the US for customers in the Edinburgh area, as well bringing thousands more American visitors to Scotland,” said Frank Jahangir, Delta vice president sales for Europe, Middle East and Africa.

“Plus, 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.

“VisitScotland statistics estimate that the new flight has the potential to bring an additional £23 million to the Scottish tourism industry in one year alone.”

The United States is the number one inbound tourism market to Scotland, with nearly half a million visitors in 2014 – an increase of 100,000 compared to the previous year.

Scottish government data also reports that overall tourism expenditure in the country stood around £9.7 billion in 2014.

Malcolm Roughead, chief executive at VisitScotland, said: “Scottish tourism punches above its weight on the world stage and this new Delta Air Lines service from New York to Edinburgh will be another fantastic boost; strengthening our connectivity in the North American market by unlocking Delta’s vast internal network.

“The USA is our biggest global market and a diaspora stronghold and, with visitors spending an average of almost £900 per trip, the flights have the potential to bring in an incredible £23 million to the economy.

“Our history and heritage is a huge appeal for U.S. visitors and so it’s appropriate that passengers will begin their exploration of the spirit of Scotland just a stone’s throw from the majestic Edinburgh Castle.”