US Airways begins connecting customers from more than 80 cities in the United States with South America as it launches daily, nonstop service from its hub at Charlotte Douglas International Airport to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The year-round service, which originates at the airline's Philadelphia hub, will be operated on Boeing 767 aircraft with seating for 18 in Envoy, US Airways' international business class, and 186 in the main cabin.

"2009 has been a year of 'firsts' for US Airways with the launch of our first-ever service to the Middle East in July and now South America," said US Airways Senior Vice President, Airport Customer Service, International and Cargo Suzanne Boda. "This new flight offers business and leisure customers in the United States and Brazil a convenient, competitive travel option."

Rio de Janeiro is US Airways' second new international route from Charlotte this year. The airline resumed summer service to Paris after an eight-year hiatus in April and recently announced that it will begin daily, year-round nonstop service to Rome in May 2010. With service to Rio de Janeiro, US Airways offers nonstop service to 23 destinations in the Caribbean and Latin America from Charlotte.