Friday May 27th 2016
Delta Air Lines will launch its new nonstop flight between Edinburgh and New York’s John F. Kennedy airports tomorrow, offering more onward connections and on-board amenities than any other airline serving this route.
The new service extends Delta’s U.K. network into Scotland and will operate year-round, offering customers a choice of 60 onward connections throughout the U.S. including popular destination such as Los Angeles, Orlando and San Francisco.
Frank Jahangir, Delta’s vice president sales for Europe, Middle East and Africa, said:
“We’re looking forward to launching service to Scotland offering extensive travel options throughout the U.S. for customers in the Edinburgh area, as well bringing thousands more American visitors to Scotland.
“Plus, as the only year-round nonstop 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.”
Delta’s Edinburgh service will initially be operated using a 163-seat Boeing 757-200ER, with a larger 210-seat widebody Boeing 767-300ER during the summer months, effective June 9, 2016. From 6 September, the 757-200ER will operate on the route.
Gordon Dewar, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Airport said:
“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 USA. I congratulate Delta Air Lines 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.”
Minister for Transport and the Islands, Humza Yousaf added:
“It’s fantastic to see this new service get off the ground, highlighting the important cultural and historical links between Scotland and the United States of America.
“Not only will this route bring real benefits for Scottish businesses, giving them greater access to the American markets, but it will also help boost our tourism industry by making it even easier for visitors to get a taste of the fantastic experiences Edinburgh and Scotland as a whole have to offer.
“I congratulate Edinburgh Airport and Delta on the launch of this new service and have no doubt it will prove popular with travellers on both sides of the Atlantic.”
All flights from Edinburgh will be equipped with Wi-Fi, allowing customers to stay connected at 30,000 feet, in addition to complimentary on-demand in-flight entertainment in all cabins. Movies and TV shows can also be downloaded to tablet and laptop devices.
Customers flying in Delta Comfort+, Delta’s premium economy service, benefit from up to four additional inches of legroom and 50 percent more recline than Main Cabin seats, as well as priority boarding.
Furthermore, Delta’s flights from Edinburgh feature fully flat-bed seats in the Delta One cabin, with Westin Heavenly Inflight Bedding from Westin Hotels & Resorts and TUMI amenity kits featuring products by MALIN + GOETZ. Customers enjoy a range of regional dining options in the Delta One cabin produced using seasonal ingredients and paired with wines selected exclusively for Delta by Master Sommelier, Andrea Robinson.
Tickets for Delta’s New York service are available through Delta Air Lines on 0871 221 1222, www.delta.com or via travel agents. Flights are operated in conjunction with joint venture partner, Virgin Atlantic Airways.
*stats from Office for National Statistics
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