US Airways spreads its international wings
US Airways is spreading its international wings out of Philadelphia (PHL), the carrier’s prime transatlantic launchpad.
If, as expected, foreign governments give the go-ahead the airline will start flying from Philadelphia to three European cities this spring and early summer. One route looks to be year-round, the others seasonal.
The flights are part of US Airways’ strategy to attract “higher-yield” overseas passengers. “Our international presence is a key that sets the new US Airways apart from other low-cost carriers,” says company president and CEO Doug Parker.
The line-up of new flights is as follows:
On May 30, US Airways will launch daily 767 widebody service from Philly to Milan Malpensa International Airport (MXP). These flights will continue indefinitely.
June 3 is the projected start date for daily 767 nonstops from Philadelphia to Stockholm Arlanda International Airport (ARN). This is a seasonal service; it will stop on October 7.
June 7 should see the start of nonstop 757 narrowbody flights from PHL to Lisbon (LIS). There will be a quartet of weekly round-trips, and they’re set to cease on October 27.
US Airways is building a formidable international hub at Philadelphia. With the commencement of these three new flights, the carrier will offer 19 daily nonstops to 16 cities in ten countries throughout Europe.
Philadelphia offers a real alternative for travelers hoping to avoid the delays that often come with international connections out of New York’s two transatlantic airports: John F. Kennedy International (JFK) and Newark Liberty International (EWR).
© Cheapflights Ltd Jerry Chandler