British holidaymakers to benefit as new year-round flights between the UK and New York roll out

It is a real boost for transatlantic links from Scotland's busiest airport, giving passengers more options and better connections onwards through Delta's American hub network.

Delta already flies seasonal summer routes from Edinburgh to both Atlanta and Boston, cementing the airport as its key base in Scotland.

Chief commercial officer at Edinburgh Airport, Stephanie Wear, said: "Extending this service to year-round is fantastic news for passengers, ensuring continued connectivity to New York and onward to North America through Delta's hub network.

"Edinburgh Airport already offers a fantastic range of services to the United States, and we are delighted that Delta shares our confidence in the strength of our market and in our role as a key driver of economic growth.

"We look forward to working with our colleagues at Delta to making this extension a success and to exploring opportunities for further improvements in the future."

American Airlines has also kicked off its summer service to New York JFK from Edinburgh as part of its bigger presence at the airport.

This new route means the carrier now operates two transatlantic connections from the Scottish capital, sitting alongside the popular Philadelphia service that came back last year.

The JFK flights run daily through to 24 October, and there is something special about the aircraft being used.

American is the first US airline to bring the A321XLR into service, featuring 155 seats spread across three cabins – making it one of the newest planes flying the route.

Chief executive of Edinburgh Airport, Gordon Dewar, said: "It's great to see American Airlines launch its New York JFK service from Edinburgh, giving passengers even more direct access to two of the world's most iconic cities.

"The expansion of American Airlines' operation here in the capital shows real confidence in our market and the international profile that Edinburgh and Scotland continue to have, both from a tourism and business perspective.

"A new route on a new aircraft is really exciting, as is seeing two of those iconic American Airlines tailfins at Scotland's busiest airport."

Vice President International and Inflight Dining Operations at American Airlines, José A. Freig, added: "Edinburgh is one of the jewels in our European crown, offering customers the opportunity to explore a city with a rich heritage, culture and vibrant food scene. When we launched our Philadelphia route last year, the feedback we received was overwhelmingly positive, so we look forward to helping Scottish travellers connect to a new U.S. destination this year.

"We're also excited to introduce customers to the newest addition to our fleet the Airbus A321XLR. With premium amenities and an elevated offering onboard, this aircraft upgrades the travel experience between Scotland and the Big Apple."