Neos Launches Palermo-New York Route with Boeing 787 Dreamliner

By Ivan PetrenkoJun 25, 2024 15:30 PMNews
Share:
a large jetliner sitting on top of an airport tarmac
a large jetliner sitting on top of an airport tarmac. Source: unsplash

Neos has launched the only direct US connection from Southern Italy with its new route between Palermo and New York JFK, utilizing a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. This seasonal service, starting on June 8, aims to cater to both leisure and business travelers, tapping into the strong Italian American community in the US.

Route Details

The new service operates twice weekly, with the flights scheduled as follows:

  • Palermo to New York JFK: Departing on Monday and Saturday
  • New York JFK to Palermo: Returning on Tuesday and Sunday

The Boeing 787-9 used on this route is equipped with 359 seats, including 28 premium economy, 36 "economy extra plus," and 295 economy class seats. Two of the six 787-9 aircraft in Neos' fleet have a slightly reduced capacity of 355 seats. The aircraft has primarily been operated by EI-NEA since the route's inception, though other aircraft configurations may be used in the future.

Strategic Shift and Market Demand

Neos’ new Palermo-New York route represents a strategic shift from purely leisure-focused destinations to include business traffic as well. The airline’s CEO, Carlo Stradiotti, emphasized the importance of this new direction during the route's launch, highlighting the significant potential for business travel and cargo transport.

Booking data from 2023 indicates a demand of approximately 45,000 roundtrip passengers between Palermo and New York, with Neos aiming to fly about 20,000 passengers on the route over the summer. This is supported by strong advance bookings, reflecting a positive outlook for the service’s success.

Enhancing the Network

This new route also complements Neos' existing transatlantic services from Milan Malpensa to New York JFK and Toronto. The Palermo flights are interlinked with the Milan-New York route, utilizing the same Dreamliner aircraft for a seamless connection. This efficient use of aircraft resources underscores Neos' strategic planning in expanding its network.

The introduction of this route marks a significant step in enhancing connectivity between Southern Italy and the US. Neos has announced plans to increase the frequency of this route to three times weekly for the summer of 2025, indicating confidence in growing demand.

Historical Context

The Palermo-New York route has a rich history, previously operated by Alitalia and later by Eurofly. The route was suspended in the mid-1990s and briefly revived in 2005 before being discontinued again in 2017. Neos’ reintroduction of this direct connection highlights its commitment to serving this historically significant market.

Salvatore Burrafato, President of Palermo Airport's operator Gesap, expressed optimism about the route, emphasizing its cultural and economic significance for Sicily. The return of this flight is seen as a crucial opportunity for promoting tourism and strengthening ties between Italy and the US.

Top Articles
Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 15:00 PM

Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Feb 7, 2025 14:00 PM

Your Guide to Hand Luggage and Baggage Rules

Feb 4, 2025 20:00 PM
More News
Seating area inside Dublin Airport lounge overlooking runway with international aircraft in view

Dublin Airport Broadens Global Reach for Summer 2025

Mar 29, 2025 13:43 PM
A passenger taps their card at a train station ticket barrier using contactless payment

Ticket Office Cuts Raise Travel Concerns

Mar 29, 2025 11:27 AM

Brussels Airlines Unveils Refined Inflight Dining

Mar 29, 2025 09:36 AM

Southern Italy Rail Upgrades to Disrupt Travel

Mar 29, 2025 07:41 AM
flydubai aircraft on runway with mountain backdrop

flydubai Restores Pisa Flights Ahead of Summer

Mar 29, 2025 05:29 AM
Man participating in a public protest or demonstration, facing another person in conversation

Easter Travel at Risk Amid Heathrow PRM Staff Strike

Mar 29, 2025 03:34 AM
Silhouettes of travellers waiting at an airport terminal during sunset

Edinburgh Airport Unveils Passenger-Focused Upgrades for Summer

Mar 28, 2025 23:42 PM
A quiet British railway station with footbridge and empty platforms on a cloudy day

Historic Rail Celebrations Unlock New Travel Routes Across the UK

Mar 28, 2025 20:38 PM
Tail fins of Iberia aircraft parked at Madrid-Barajas Airport on a clear day

Airline Alliance Expands Travel Options Between Spain and Argentina

Mar 28, 2025 18:24 PM

Benidorm Reinvents Itself as Eco-Friendly Holiday Destination

Mar 28, 2025 16:43 PM

Air France Adds Hotel-Style Bedding to Business Class for Long-Haul Flights

Mar 28, 2025 14:37 PM
Passengers at London King’s Cross station beside LNER and other trains under a large arched roof

LNER Opens Advance Ticket Sales for Summer 2025 Travel Across the UK

Mar 28, 2025 12:26 PM
Jet2holidays airplane flying low over a coastal road near a populated area with parked vehicles and scenic green hills

Jet2 Adds Norway Fjord Trips from Newcastle and Leeds Bradford

Mar 28, 2025 10:50 AM
Dark storm clouds forming in the sky before heavy rainfall

Polar Vortex Raises Storm Risk for UK Travelers

Mar 28, 2025 02:41 AM
easyJet aircraft parked at airport gate on a sunny day

easyJet Expands Inflight Services for Summer Travellers

Mar 28, 2025 00:39 AM

Delays Expected on Northern Italy Rail Routes

Mar 27, 2025 22:45 PM

Jet2 Opening New Travel Horizons With Expanded Winter 2025/26 Routes from Newcastle

Mar 27, 2025 20:28 PM
People walking along a historic street in central Torino at sunset

Torino Opens to Travelers as 2025 European Capital of Smart Tourism

Mar 27, 2025 18:33 PM
Ryanair plane landing at sunset at Manchester Airport

Manchester Expands African Flight Options

Mar 27, 2025 16:46 PM
Young woman using smartphone at a European train station

Interrail Booking Becomes Effortless with New Digital System

Mar 27, 2025 14:29 PM
Emirates A380 aircraft taxiing at Sydney Airport during sunset

Emirates Marks 25 Years with Enhanced Sydney Travel

Mar 27, 2025 12:31 PM
A First Class train operated by Transport for Wales approaching a station through a residential area

Michelin-Level Dining on Welsh Rails

Mar 27, 2025 10:44 AM

Travel Disruptions Expected as Helsinki Airport Protest Approaches

Mar 27, 2025 08:27 AM

Heavy Fog Disrupts Transport in Southern England

Mar 27, 2025 06:32 AM
Airplane with Star Alliance livery parked at gate at the airport

Star Alliance and ÖBB Partner to Boost Train-Flight Integration

Mar 26, 2025 23:37 PM
Dark railway tunnel with visible train tracks leading to a lit station exit

Weekend Rail Works to Disrupt Derbyshire Routes

Mar 26, 2025 21:41 PM