New Berlin-Philadelphia flight connection provides significant impetus for the capital region

Berlin, 8 June 2019 Berlin gets a new long-haul connection: as of today, American Airlines will connect the German capital with Philadelphia by means of a non-stop flight. This makes the capital region even easier for private and business travellers from North America to reach. The connection will be offered four times a week from Berlin-Tegel until 28 September 2019.

"The new flight to Philadelphia underlines the economic and touristic attractiveness of the German capital," says Burkhard Kieker, CEO of visitBerlin. "American Airlines is one of the world's largest airlines and Philadelphia is one of the most important hubs in North America. In the long-haul initiative, we are actively working to win additional non-stop connections for Berlin."

Jan Eder, Managing Director of the Berlin Chamber of Industry and Commerce: "The USA is the most important trading partner for the economy of the capital region. Last year, Berlin and Brandenburg companies exported goods worth three billion euros across the Atlantic. The interests of the economy in having fast and direct flight connections to its largest sales market are correspondingly high. The building of new business relationships or the conclusion of contracts often make attendance in person indispensable. As an initiative for more long-haul connections, we therefore expect a lot from the new connection and see even more potential for flight connections, for example to the Asian region."

Cristian Lizana, Regional Sales Manager Central and Eastern Europe for American Airlines: “As the world’s largest airline we are delighted to launch the new non-stop service from Berlin to Philadelphia. The route will be a welcome addition to the German market as it offers customers a chance to experience the historic city of Philadelphia, as well as opening up a wealth of connections to destinations across American’s extensive network in North America, the Caribbean, Latin America and Canada.”

The USA is the overseas market with the most visitors in Berlin and an important economic partner for the German capital. In addition to the United Kingdom, the United States is the chief international market for conferences and congresses. In the first three months of the year, around 73,000 guests from the United States came to the capital (+ 8.3 per cent compared to 2018). They accounted for more than 205,000 overnight stays (+ 12.1 per cent) in Berlin hotels. Visitors from the USA stay in Berlin longer than the average guest with a stay of 2.8 days compared with 2.4 days.