US Airways Announces Birmingham – Philadelphia

October 27 2008

Birmingham International Airport is celebrating the news that US Airways, the fifth largest US airline, will start flights to Philadelphia from summer 2009. Starting on 13th May 2009, the new service will operate daily until the end of September, offering onward flights throughout the US including Boston, Chicago, Fort Lauderdale, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Orlando, Miami, San Francisco and Tampa.

Peter Vella, Birmingham Airport’s Business Development Director said, “US Airways is one of North America’s premier airlines.  Commencing new daily services to and from Birmingham is a fantastic development because it will give more options for linking destinations across the USA to the Midlands for business and leisure, potentially leading to more trade links and tourism. US Airways’ Philadelphia hub offers Midlanders a vast list of onward flights throughout Canada, the Caribbean, Latin America and the USA. The significance of this new service cannot be underestimated ”

Flights will operate daily, arriving into Birmingham at 06:25. The service will then depart at 08:45, arriving in Philadelphia at 11:50.

Suzanne Boda, Senior Vice President, East Coast, International and Cargo Operations of US Airways said, “In addition to approximately 3,700 US Airways, US Airways Shuttle and US Airways Express flights per day, US Airways also offers some 17,000 daily flights to nearly 900 destinations in 160 countries worldwide as a member of the Star Alliance network. We are delighted to bring this portfolio to the people of the Midlands and offer a new destination to Birmingham’s growing network from 2009.”

Mike Whitby, Leader of Birmingham City Council, commented: "This great news for the whole West Midlands region and demonstrates Birmingham's ever growing status as a major international hub for business, travel and tourism.

"Alongside the emerging markets of China and India, the US possesses one of the primary economies with which globally relevant cities such as Birmingham must increasingly trade and interact.  Only by first establishing world-class transport links of this nature can we start to build the necessary relationships with major overseas economies which ultimately serve as the catalyst for inward investment, job creation and local prosperity."

Operating a 757-200 aircraft, US Airways will offer a mixed cabin of 164 Economy seats and 12 business class seats through its Envoy product which offers passengers the following service:

• Wider seats that recline up to 160 degrees for a truly relaxing flight.
• Four-way adjustable headrest and lumbar support;
• Amenity kit;
• Individual, on-demand entertainment units featuring a wide selection of movies, television and audio programming;
• In-seat laptop power outlet (adapter free);
• Dedicated check-in counters, priority boarding and baggage handling;
• Complimentary day of departure invitation to US Airways Clubs, the Business Lounge at Birmingham Airport and the dedicated Envoy Lounge in Philadelphia.

Passengers interested in booking on US Airways should visit www.usairways.co.uk or call 0845 6003300 to make a reservation.  Bookings can be made after the 25th October.

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