Long a haven for modern golf, Edinburgh remains a top draw for travelers and golfers, including U.S. President Donald Trump. After debuting seasonal flights from Philadelphia to Edinburgh this year, American Airlines plans to start the route earlier next season, complemented by new service from New York (JFK).
On October 22, 2025, American Airlines took delivery of its first Airbus A321XLR, a jet that blends the efficiency of a narrow-body with the range of a wide-body, enabling new long-haul routes. The arrival of the aircraft will go a long way in American’s efforts to win passengers after falling behind United and Delta.
American Airlines has become the first U.S. carrier to introduce the Airbus A321XLR, announcing plans to deploy the aircraft on a second route to one of President Donald Trump’s favored destinations, as well as on future transcontinental and international services as more jets join the fleet.
American Airlines’ First New Route On A New Airbus Aircraft To One Of Donald Trump’s Favorite Destinations
With the new Airbus A321XLR aircraft in its fleet, American Airlines plans to start the season with flights from New York (JFK) to Edinburgh (EDI) in Scotland, to complement its existing flight from Philadelphia (PHL) to the popular golfing destination.
On the AA website, Brian Znotins, American’s Senior Vice President of Network and Schedule Planning, has been quoted to say, “With the game-changing Airbus A321XLR now in our fleet, we could not be more excited to connect the Big Apple with Auld Reekie. This is the right aircraft to open this route and with an elevated premium experience for travelers to enjoy.”
“After a successful summer in Edinburgh, American is excited to offer a second route to give travelers more access to one of their favorite destinations,” Znotins had also said.
City of Edinburgh, Scotland, at sunsetCredit: Shutterstock
American Airlines has confirmed it will open ticket sales for the new route to Edinburgh on November 3 via aa.com and its mobile app.
American Airlines 2026 Season to Edinburgh, Scotland
Aircraft
Departure
Arrival
From
Till
Boeing 787-8
Philadelphia (PHL)
Edinburgh (EDI)
March 8, 2026
Oct. 24, 2026
Airbus A321XLR
New York (JFK)
Edinburgh (EDI)
March 8, 2026
Oct. 24, 2026
After unveiling five new European routes, including service to Budapest and Prague, American Airlines’ new JFK–Edinburgh flight will become its seventh transatlantic addition for summer 2026. Travelers can also connect easily through American’s partner, British Airways, which operates nonstop flights from Edinburgh to destinations in England, Italy, and Spain.
Why is the Airbus A321XLR a Game Changer?
American Airlines Plane LandingCredit: Dreamstime
The Airbus A321XLR enables airlines to link smaller cities across continents without relying on large, costly wide-body jets. With a range of up to 4,700 nautical miles, it can handle transatlantic flights, offering a more efficient option for long-haul routes.
American Airlines’ Airbus A321XLR will debut on the New York (JFK)–Los Angeles (LAX) route beginning December 18. The new aircraft features 20 Flagship Suite® seats, 12 Premium Economy seats, and 123 Main Cabin seats.
Premium Economy offers upgraded headrests, leg rests, and wireless charging. The aircraft features high-speed Wi-Fi and Bluetooth-enabled seatback entertainment, providing passengers with an enhanced in-flight experience to Scotland.
Edinburgh, Scotland, And The Trump Connection
Trump Turnberry Golf Course, ScotlandCredit: Trump Turnberry Golf Course by Walter Baxter, Wikimedia Commons
Edinburgh (or more broadly, Scotland) is generally considered one of President Donald Trump’s favorite destinations because of his strong personal and business ties to the country, particularly to his golf resorts there.
Trump Turnberry is one of the most renowned golf resorts in the world, and the President acquired it in 2014, investing heavily in renovations.
Trump International Golf Links, in Aberdeenshire, has been another primary focus of his visits and publicity.
President Donald Trump has visited Scotland several times, calling it “a beautiful” and “incredible” place. Though his golf resorts are in Turnberry and Aberdeenshire, he often passes through Edinburgh, the cultural gateway to his Scottish properties.
