History has been made on Wednesday 2 June 2004 as the first Transaero flight UN315 arrived into Edinburgh Airport  from Moscow, the first time that Russia and Scotland have had a non-stop air link.

Transaero Airlines is launching a once-weekly non-stop flight between Moscow`s Domodedovo International Airport and Edinburgh, strengthening the links between the two capital cities, boosting tourism and business opportunities.

Valery Musaev, Deputy Director General, International Relations of Transaero Airlines said: "We are very pleased to launch Scotland`s first regular and direct link with Russia today, which will provide an essential link between our two dynamic capital cities. We are confident that this service will be a very welcome addition for business people and also for leisure travellers wishing to enjoy Russia`s capital city."

Hugh Aitken, Head of Strategy, BAA Edinburgh Airport, added: "We are delighted to welcome Moscow as the latest edition to our range of over 80 worldwide destinations from Edinburgh. Not only will this service bring huge benefits to travellers for both our nations but it re-enforces Scotland`s strong affinity with Russia. We look forward to working with the airline to make this service an enormous success."

Jack Munro, Chief Executive, Edinburgh and Lothians Tourist Board said: "The introduction of a Moscow route to Edinburgh represents a significant opportunity for Scottish tourism. The Russian market to Britain is growing and is now worth £120m to the economy and, with it, we`ve seen the emergence of Russian visitors with a propensity to travel widely and spend freely.

"Some of our leading hotels, such as The Balmoral, are already active in the Russian market and today`s introduction of the Transaero route provides us with a platform to develop further the impact of the Russian market in the local economy".

The new Transaero service will operate with Boeing 737 aircraft. Flights will depart from Edinburgh at 13:00 and will arrive in Moscow at 19:55. Flights will depart from Moscow at 11.00 and arrive in Edinburgh at 12.00. The service will be year-round.