From the East Coast to the Far East
TEMPE, Ariz., March 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- US Airways (NYSE: LCC)
plans to apply for Philadelphia-Shanghai service later this year when the
U.S. Department of Transportation calls for 2008 U.S.-China applications.
If approved by the DOT, the service will begin in March 2008 and will be
the new US Airways' first service into Asia.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050223/LAW097LOGO)
"This proposed route would be the first US Airways service to China and
would provide access from our largest international hub to one of Asia's
leading countries for commerce, culture and tourism," said US Airways
Chairman and CEO Doug Parker. "China is one of the fastest growing markets
in the world, an important destination for both business and leisure
flyers."
"US Airways' decision to base its first non-stop flights to China out
of Philadelphia is a testament to the region and builds on the company's
commitment to Pennsylvania," said state Governor Edward G. Rendell.
"Philadelphia International is a world-class facility, serving one of the
nation's largest metropolitan areas. Its reputation for excellence will
help the airline succeed in this competitive industry, while creating new
opportunities for the region's residents and travelers."
"US Airways application for nonstop service to China addresses the
Philadelphia region's need for convenient access to one of the world's
rapidly growing economic, cultural and tourist centers," said Mayor John F.
Street. "This exciting initiative will open new opportunities for mutually
beneficial economic and cultural exchanges between one of Asia's most
important countries and one of America's great cities."
US Airways currently serves 19 million customers annually at its
Philadelphia hub, and operates 425 daily flights daily to 109 destinations
in the United States, Canada, Europe, the Caribbean and Latin America. The
airline will add service to Athens, Greece; Brussels, Belgium and Zurich,
Switzerland from Philadelphia beginning in May.
"Expansion to Asia is a logical next step for our airline, our 37,000
employees, and our customers," Parker said. "We are well-positioned at
Philadelphia to conveniently serve business travelers from communities
large and small throughout the Eastern United States, including the
Mid-Atlantic region, and leisure travelers who are discovering Asia in
increasing numbers. At the same time, we continue to demonstrate our
commitment to Philadelphia as US Airways' primary international hub."
Facts on Philadelphia:
* The fourth-largest metropolitan area in the United States with a
population of six million people
* Largest U.S. metro area to not have service to China or Asia
* Second-largest city on the East Coast.
US Airways is close to making a decision on acquiring aircraft suitable
to fly Philadelphia-Shanghai nonstop and has ample time and financial
resources to do so.
US Airways is the fifth largest domestic airline employing more than
37,000 aviation professionals worldwide. US Airways, US Airways Shuttle and
US Airways Express operate approximately 3,800 flights per day and serve
more than 230 communities in the U.S., Canada, Europe, the Caribbean and
Latin America. The new US Airways -- the product of a merger between
America West and US Airways in September 2005 -- is a member of the Star
Alliance network, which offers our customers 16,000 daily flights to 855
destinations in 155 countries worldwide. This press release and additional
information on US Airways can be found at http://www.usairways.com. (LCCG)
-Fly with US-
SOURCE US Airways
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Related links:
http://www.usairways.com
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PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
CONTACT:
US Airways Media Relations, +1-480-693-5729
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