AN airline has celebrated its first-ever flight between Scotland and New York as one of its planes landed safely in the Scottish capital.
American airline JetBlue will be offering daily flights from Edinburgh to New York JFK throughout the summer as it celebrated its first landing on Scottish soil today.
The new direct service will connect Edinburgh Airport to New York JFK throughout the summer and ends on September 30.
The service will operate on an Airbus A321neo and flights will depart Edinburgh daily at 12:30am and will arrive at New York JFK just after 3pm.
Flights departing New York JFK at 9:20 pm will arrive in the capital at 9:30am.
Gordon Dewar, chief executive of Edinburgh airport, said he is looking forward to welcoming passengers on the new flights from America.
He said: “We are excited to see another new airline and tailfin as JetBlue adds Edinburgh Airport to its fast growing European network.
“Transatlantic travel from Edinburgh has been a real success story and adding more capacity to New York opens up another route for passengers to travel to and from Scotland and the USA, bringing our two countries even closer together.
“It’s always great to see a new airline make its home in Edinburgh and we are really looking forward to welcoming JetBlue’s passengers and our new colleagues to Scotland’s capital.”
Jim Fairlie, Minister for Connectivity, says the new flight service by JetBlue shows the confidence oversea companies have in the Scottish tourism industry.
He said: “I’m delighted to see JetBlue’s new Edinburgh to New York JFK flight take off, as it will help enhance Scotland’s direct connectivity to the US and strengthen important links for business connectivity, exports, and inbound tourism.
“This is the first time JetBlue has served Scotland and it demonstrates the confidence they have in the Scottish market.
“It also strengthens Edinburgh Airport’s case for establishing a U.S. pre-clearance border facility to help make travel more seamless and provide added benefits for Scottish businesses and visitors. I wish Edinburgh Airport and JetBlue every success with the new service, and I am sure it will be welcomed by travelers in both Scotland and the US.”
John Lamont, UK Government Minister for Scotland, added the flights from New York will help to showcase the “uniquely attractiveness” Scotland has as a tourist destination.
He said: "Our relationship with the US is a special one. We welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors to Scotland and the wider UK from North America every year and it’s also our top export market. This new direct JetBlue route from Edinburgh to New York City will really help strengthen links between our two great countries.
“Just last month, I walked down Sixth Avenue with other representatives from the UK Government as part of the annual Tartan Day celebrations in Manhattan, promoting our most important exports - whisky, energy and financial services, and our rich culture.
“This flight route will make it easier for visitors from the US to come and see for themselves what a uniquely attractive destination we have here, while also easing travel for Scottish visitors wanting to explore the Big Apple and beyond.”
Marty St. George, president of JetBlue, said he was also looking forward to the new connection between Edinburgh and New York.
He said: “JetBlue has redefined transatlantic travel by introducing low fares and great service in markets dominated by high-fare legacy carriers.
“We look forward to connecting Scotland and the Northeast this summer with our award-winning Mint and core service that will bring this signature JetBlue experience to Edinburgh.”
