Edinburgh has been chosen for the first flights from Scotland by Etihad Airways to its home base of Abu Dhabi next summer.
The airline’s daily service is due to start on June 8, 2015 using a two-class Airbus A330-200 with 22 business class seats and 240 in economy.
Edinburgh will be Etihad’s third departure point from the UK in addition to the current triple-daily flights from London and double-daily flights from Manchester.
The service will enable passengers from Scotland to connect to destinations across the Gulf region, Asia, Australia and Africa.
Etihad president and chief executive James Hogan pledged at the annual dinner of the Scottish Passenger Agents’ Association in February this year that the carrier would start flights from Scotland in 2015.
He added that a second service would be introduced from Scotland to Abu Dhabi in five years’ time.
Confirming the first Scottish route, Hogan said: “Scotland has been on our radar for some time and we are delighted that the first direct connection between its capital, Edinburgh, and the capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi, will be operational from next year.
“The two cities share strong tourism links and the UAE is Scotland’s primary trade partner in the Gulf region, which will fuel strong demand among business and leisure travellers on our non-stop service.
“Travellers will also benefit from convenient connections to many other destinations, both on our own global network and through our relationships with other airlines.”
Scotland’s transport minister Keith Brown said: “This new route between Edinburgh and Abu Dhabi is fantastic news for Scotland, building on our already strong links with the United Arab Emirates and providing a major boost to our international connectivity.
“By removing the need for extra connecting flights, we make Scotland a more attractive place to do business and make it even easier for visitors from around the globe to come and taste the fantastic tourist experience we have to offer.”
Edinburgh airport chief executive Gordon Dewar added: “With direct flights to over 100 destinations from Abu Dhabi, Etihad Airways increases our global connectivity, ensuring Edinburgh Airport truly is where Scotland meets the world.”