United Airlines is expanding its transatlantic network and will be offering a daily nonstop service between Glasgow and Newark/New York starting May of this year. This marks the first time since 2019 that the two cities will be directly connected, providing a boost for Scotland’s international connectivity and business links with the United States.

The flights will be operated on a Boeing 737-MAX 8 and will offer connections to other cities in North America. Currently, United runs a year-round service from Edinburgh, but this new service will be the only direct route between Glasgow and the US.

According to Stuart Patrick, Chief Executive of the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, the United States is one of Scotland’s most important trading partners, and this new service will strengthen efforts in attracting inward investment and international trade.

This new route is part of United’s larger expansion across Europe for the summer season, which includes three new seasonal destinations: Split in Croatia, Bari in southern Italy, and Santiago de Compostela in Spain. All three cities will be served directly from Newark/New York, making United the only US airline to offer this service.

Patrick Quayle, United’s Senior Vice President of Global Network Planning and Alliances, stated that with the addition of these new flights and the return of all their new routes from last year, United now flies to 46 cities across the Atlantic, making them the leading US flag carrier.

Beyond Europe, United is also expanding its long-haul reach. They will be launching their first-ever service between Washington-Dulles and Reykjavik, as well as a new daily flight from Newark to Seoul, South Korea. Additionally, they will increase capacity on their Newark-Tel Aviv route to 18 flights per week.

This expansion is a sign of confidence in Glasgow’s global appeal and a positive indicator of post-pandemic recovery for Scotland’s aviation and tourism industries. With the return of this transatlantic link, Glasgow will continue to strengthen its position as a key player in international trade and business.