Atlantic Airways planning New York route

Atlantic Airways has applied for permission to offer regular and charter flights between Vágar and New York, reports US aviation magazine Aviator.

Jóhanna á Bergi, CEO of Atlantic Airways, said:

“We have just sent off our application to fly to New York, and now we’re just awaiting a response. We are planning to introduce a few flights next autumn, one per week, with a total of four to six.”

The airline will be using the new 174-seat Airbus 320 neo aeroplanes, which will arrive to the Faroes next year.

Jóhanna á Bergi adds that it is still possible to fly to the US via Iceland, but that it would be extra special with a direct link between Vágar and New York.

A big boost to Faroese tourism industry

This new route could end up playing a big role in the Faroese tourism industry, says Guðrið Højgaard, the head of Visit Faroe Islands.

The number of American tourists in the Faroes has been on a steady rise in recent years, and that this number will increase even further if direct flights between Vágar and New York are established, she says.

Visit Faroe Islands has mostly focused on branding the Faroes as a tourism spot in the European market.

“We will now step up our efforts to enter the huge US market. American tourists have great purchasing power, and they like to be active when they travel.”

Once US authorities have processed the Faroese application, the new route must also be approved by Danish authorities.

Translated by prosa.fo