The Greek Consul General in the United States has hailed the launch by Delta Airlines of a new service connecting Athens to Boston, direct, starting at the end of May.

Describing the American carrier’s initiative as the realization of a dream for the Greek-American community in New England and the result of extensive efforts by a variety of different people, Stratos Efthymiou said that the “project went through many trials and tribulations,” but “initial mistrust was overcome when we searched for and presented robust statistical data which showed that a seasonal flight would be commercially viable.” 

“After a very successful year for Greek tourism, I am glad that Delta Airlines saw in the Boston-Athens route a business opportunity,” he said.

“The Boston-Athens route, if it takes hold and gets extended to year-round in the long run… will open new roads for academics, entrepreneurs, and educators,” he said.

It will also “ease access for high-income and highly educated tourism to Greece for at least three summer months” but stressed that “most importantly, it will reunite families,” Efthymiou added.

This article was previously published at ekathimerini.com.