The Scottish Government

This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007

Listen

New direct air route to USA

08/09/2003

First Minister Jack McConnell today said that the whole ofScotlandwill benefit from increased trade and tourism, following the launch of a new air route to theUSA

The First Minister was speaking as he announced that Continental Airlines will introduce a non stop daily service betweenEdinburghandNew York'sNewarkairport. The Executive's Route Development Fund helped secure the route. This is the first time that the Fund has invested in an intercontinental route.

The new service will complement the already successful service betweenGlasgowandNew York.

Jack McConnell said:

"This new, non-stop service to theUSAis great news forEdinburghand for the whole of the country. Running alongside theGlasgowservice, it means thatScotlandis open for business with one of our most important markets,North America. In particular, it means that our flourishing financial services sector has another direct link to Wall Street.

"The route will also provide a significant boost to tourism, one of our main industries. The number of visitors toScotlandis at a record high, but in recent years we have seen fewer visitors from theUSA. Building on the huge success of Scottish promotions during Tartan Day and the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, this new gateway can only encourage more North American visitors back to sample Scotland's vibrant culture, and wonderful natural and historical assets.

"When we set up the Route Development Fund we said that we were committed to better connectingScotlandto the rest of the world. This announcement today, on top of the 12 new routes that we have already supported, is hard proof that we are delivering on that commitment. The unique opportunity we have this week to showcase a dynamic Scotlandto the air line industry will ensure there is much more to come."

Transport Minister Nicol Stephen said:

"This announcement is highly significant given it is the first time the Route Development Fund has been used to help secure a Transatlantic air link toScotland. The route is highly significant in boosting both business and tourist links betweenScotlandandNorth Americaand I am delighted to support the service.

"The new service and last night's announcement regarding a new route to theHighlandsdemonstrates the Executive is committed to attracting new air services to all ofScotland's airports."

Mary McLaughlin, Head of Transport at Scottish Enterprise, which manages the Route Development Fund on behalf of the Scottish Executive, said:

"Continental Airline's new direct transatlantic air service fromEdinburghis one of the most significant created with support from the fund. It underlines the very strong business and leisure links between ScotlandandNorth Americaand in particular with the financial services and creative industries companies based in and aroundNew York.

"The timing of this announcement could not be better with the world's airlines and airports inScotlandfor their annual route development forum and we are hopeful more new routes will be created as a result of their time inScotland."

Philip Riddle, Chief Executive, VisitScotland said:

"This is absolutely fantastic news forEdinburghandScotland. A direct route betweenEdinburghandNew Yorkhas the potential to create considerable economic benefits for Scottish tourism. We are delighted that Continental Airlines will now be offering direct flights betweenNew YorkandGlasgowandEdinburgh. Without-a-doubt this a vote of confidence inScotlandas a visitor destination.

"We have long argued thatScotlandrequires further direct international air routes and considerable progress has been achieved in recent months. This new route fromNew YorktoEdinburghwill allowScotlandgreater access to the keyUnited Statesmarket and enable Scottish tourism to further capitalise upon the great interest that Americans have inScotland.

"VisitScotland will be working closely with Continental Airlines to promote the route during the coming months."

The Route Development Fund is provided through the recent Scottish budget resources with £5 million from the Executive, £500,000 from the Integrated Transport Fund, £1 million from Scottish Enterprise and £300,000 fromHighlandsand Islands Enterprise. The fund is operated in partnership with Scottish Enterprise , who administer the fund on the Executive's behalf, VisitScotland andHighlandsand Islands Enterprise .

The Fund has focussed on European destinations serving in-bound tourism and business markets with 12 new routes attracted toScotland. This announcement marks the Fund's first investment in an intercontinental route.