New Edinburgh to New York flight introduced next May

The American Airlines flight will join a United Airlines service to New York

A new daily flight between Edinburgh and New York will be introduced next year.

The American Airlines service from Edinburgh to JFK Airport will run from May to September.

There is currently no direct flight between the Scottish capital and the US airport.

United Airlines currently runs a service which which flies from Edinburgh to Newark.

Gordon Dewar, chief executive of Edinburgh Airport, said: "New York is one of the most famous cities in the world and one of our most popular international destinations.

"We're confident that this new service will be a hit with Scottish passengers, both for visitors to the Big Apple and those travelling to onward destinations across America."

Transport Minister Keith Brown MSP added: "I warmly welcome this new direct route between Edinburgh and New York, which will no doubt be popular with tourists and business travellers alike."

The news comes two days after it was announced a direct air link between Edinburgh and Doha in Qatar is to become a daily service.