United will next summer operate a double-daily service between New York Newark and Edinburgh.

The news means that the Scottish capital will boast three daily non-stop flights to New York in summer 2015, compared with just one today.

It represents great news for both the large numbers of US visitors to Edinburgh during the summer months and especially during the annual festival, and for Scottish travellers who will have easier access to both New York and onward “hinterland” destinations.

Such a capacity increase between May and September will result in a battle between United and fellow US carrier American Airlines.

American will inaugurate its New York JFK to Edinburgh service in May 2015 (see news, November 3).

Over roughly the same period, present incumbent United (which currently operates a single daily flight to New York Newark) will double flight frequency.

In fact, American’s New York service replaces its existing Edinburgh to Philadelphia route launched only six months ago, according to The Scotsman.

Both carriers will operate two-class (business and economy) flights with B757 narrow-bodied twin-jets.

American’s schedules are:

  • Edinburgh depart 0915, New York JFK arrive 1150
  • New York JFK depart 1925, Edinburgh arrive 0715

United schedules are:

  • Edinburgh depart at 0925 or 1205, New York Newark arrive at 1210 or 1450 respectively
  • New York Newark depart at 1955 or 2145, Edinburgh arrive at 0755 or 0945 respectively

We can expect to see some keen fares in 2015. As sure as night follows day, there will be introductory offers including extra frequent flyer miles and so on.

But price is key to whether or not these new services will succeed. Edinburgh is blessed with numerous transfer options. It means passengers can choose from a logical plane change at London Heathrow, to connecting via a mainland European hub or transferring in Dublin where you pre-clear US formalities.

aa.com, united.com

Alex McWhirter