JETBLUE will run a summer service from Edinburgh Airport to New York JFK from May 22 to September 30 2024, marking the first time the airline has ever operated in Scotland.

The company hopes to take advantage of strong demand for international travel, which has grown more quickly than domestic travel this year.

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Flights on the low cost carrier will depart daily on an Airbus A321neo, configured with 160 seats, at 1230, arriving at New York JFK at 1515.

Flights will depart New York JFK at 2215, arriving in Edinburgh at 1025.

The news was welcomed by the Scottish government and Scotland’s national tourist organisation VistScotland.

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Minister for Small Business, Innovation, Tourism and Trade Richard Lochhead said: “I welcome the announcement of JetBlue’s new Edinburgh to New York JFK service – which I am sure will be welcomed by travellers in both Scotland and the US.

“This is the first time JetBlue will serve Scotland, and this decision will help enhance our direct connectivity to the US and strengthen important links for business connectivity, exports, and inbound tourism. This announcement not only demonstrates the confidence that JetBlue has in the Scottish market, but also strengthens Edinburgh Airport’s case for establishing a US pre-clearance border facility to help make travel more seamless and provide added benefits for Scottish businesses and visitors.”

Malcolm Roughead, VisitScotland Chief Executive, said: “The arrival of this brand new seasonal route, which marks JetBlue’s debut in Scotland, is further evidence of the strong demand we are seeing from American visitors for 2024. The US is our most important global market bringing visitors who often stay longer and spend more exploring all our country has to offer.

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“Good connectivity helps makes Scotland a more desirable destination, boosting inbound tourism which in turn grows the wider visitor economy, helping create jobs and sustain communities. It is therefore vital we continue to make it as easy as possible for international visitors to come to Scotland.”

Gordon Dewar, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Airport, said: “It’s always a big moment when we welcome an airline to Edinburgh for the first time and the arrival of JetBlue will be an exciting step as we further strengthen our links to North America. Edinburgh and New York are both hugely popular places to visit and I’m thrilled that this new service will provide even more opportunities to connect between two of the world’s great cities.

“It’s extremely important to us, as Scotland’s airport, that we continue to build on the momentum of 2023 and offer fantastic choice for our passengers.

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“The arrival of this route allows us to do that – enhancing leisure travel, business links and allowing people more chance to reunite with family and friends across the pond.

“I look forward to welcoming JetBlue to Edinburgh Airport and working closely with them to make this route to New York a success while developing our relationship with the airline further.”