The new schedule will be phased in, in conjunction with the return of aircraft, by November 2, 2002. The schedule affirms the airline`s commitment to continue flights to its 203 communities. Nearly half of those will have the same or increased service, with 71 communities unchanged and 26 communities with additional seats available in the marketplace.
US Airways also is maintaining service to all of its European destinations while continuing its plans to expand the number of seats flown to the Caribbean by 25 percent and to add new service to Mexico and Central America.
The November schedule includes 36 additional weekly flights from Charlotte, N.C. In addition, subject to foreign government approval, there will be new weekly flights from Philadelphia to St. Kitts and Grenada, and new daily flights from Reagan Washington National to Nassau.
On December 1, 2002, US Airways will also add two additional flights per week from Charlotte to Cozumel, Mexico. Subject to foreign government approval, beginning December 14, 2002, US Airways plans to provide additional new year-round service and four flights per week from Charlotte to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, one of the fastest growing destinations in the Caribbean.
US Airways has also filed an application with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to begin daily nonstop roundtrip flights between Charlotte and Costa Rica`s capital, San Jose, beginning as early as February 2003. Subject to U.S. and foreign government approvals, the San Jose service will operate year round as US Airways` second destination in Central America.
With the new routes, US Airways, US Airways Express and the GoCaribbean Network will serve more islands than any other carrier and offer service to more than 30 Caribbean destinations.
US Airways Express is also adding new service to New York LaGuardia Airport with three new roundtrip flights daily from Roanoke and seven new roundtrips from Washington Dulles.
In summary, the November schedule results in a total reduction of approximately 200 daily US Airways mainline jet departures and 100 daily regional jet and turboprop flights.
US Airways is taking the necessary steps to match air traffic demands to our fleet and network capabilities, said B. Ben Baldanza, US Airways senior vice president of marketing and planning. In doing so, we have maintained our ability to continue serving all 203 communities while offering US Airways customers excellent customer service. Also, as a priority throughout this process, we have focused on preserving convenient access and connections to and from our international destinations.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
