Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) hosted a festive cultural event on May 23 to celebrate the launch of American Airlines new transatlantic routes to Edinburgh and Milan. The event transformed terminal A-West into a vibrant celebration of the two European destinations and brought together airport leadership and employees, airline representatives, and members of the community to acknowledge the importance of these new routes ahead of the busy summer travel season. 

Department of Aviation Chief Commercial Officer Kate Sullivan started the program by highlighting the importance of expanding global connections through new international flights. “We’re thrilled to welcome the addition of the Edinburgh and Milan routes to Philadelphia. The expansion of our international network opens exciting opportunities for our travelers to connect with vibrant cultures around the world,” said Kate Sullivan. “These two new European routes underscore our commitment to making PHL the global gateway of choice for our passengers.” 

Lakshman Amaranayaka, American’s Vice President of hub operations at PHL, spoke about the airline’s commitment to enhancing the travel experience for its customers, the addition of new European routes and the opening of the Admirals Club and Flagship lounges. Cristiana Mele, Consul General of Italy, shared her enthusiasm for the new Milan flight as a meaningful link between countries and cultures. 

Embracing the spirit of international travel, PHL brought the celebration to life with live entertainment and cultural elements. Thom Moore, “The Happy Bagpiper,” performed traditional Scottish music on bagpipes and was followed by local vocalist Tara Hendricks, who performed three Italian songs. 

Guests were treated to a variety of food and giveaways inspired by the two destinations. Samples of Italian and Scottish dishes offered a taste of each city, while commemorative items added to the experience. PHL distributed themed buttons and postcards, Wawa Welcome America handed out summer sunglasses, and the World Affairs Council hosted an international candy station featuring Italian and Scottish sweets. They also offered a cultural tips and phrases station to help travelers prepare for their trips abroad.