Hungary’s foreign minister welcomed an American Airlines flight from Philadelphia to Budapest’s Liszt Ferenc International Airport with a traditional water cannon salute on Monday.
According to reports, American Airlines will operate the flight until October 23rd using Boeing 767-300 aircraft.
During his speech, Péter Szijjártó, minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, said that although Hungary and the United States foster defense and cultural relations, their economic ties are their strongest.
He added that the 1,700 US companies doing business in Hungary employ more than 100,000 people and that the US is Hungary’s largest export market outside the European Union.
The minister revealed that American companies made 50 major investments in Hungary over the past four years and the government is in talks to attract further US investments.
Minister Szijjártó highlighted that the lack of direct flight connections between the two countries had been a disadvantage for Hungary. However, the latest direct flight routes to the United states will benefit the situation – including direct flights to New York, Chicago and Philadelphia.
The minister added that he hoped more long-haul flights would be launched in the near future so that Hungary can reap the benefits of such services.