Stephen Raeder, US Airways, Philly's finest "Rocky" and Paul Kehoe, BHX CEO,welcomes the new service to Philadelphia
.
Birmingham International Airport today, Wednesday 13th May 2009,
welcomed the inaugural service by US Airways to Philadelphia
.
The new, seasonal 5-times-weekly service is the first direct link
between Birmingham and Philadelphia, and gives passengers another
route to destinations in the US such as: Boston, Chicago, Fort
Lauderdale, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Orlando, Miami, San Francisco
and Tampa. Onward travel also includes Canada, the
Caribbean and Latin America
.
Paul Kehoe, CEO of Birmingham International Airport, was on hand to
welcome the passengers this morning and said: "Having US Airways
as one of our partners is excellent news, not just for the Airport but
also for the region. This established carrier, which is part of the
Star Alliance, announced that it would be flying from Birmingham
back in October last year, and we are delighted that they have shown
both confidence in the region and Birmingham during what are
extremely trying times"
.
"It is encouraging that the outbound flight this morning is over 70%
full which is excellent for an inaugural"
.
"Having US Airways on board to Philadelphia will help us to
welcome home some of the 60% of the regions’ travellers who punish
themselves by driving miles along crowded motorways to other
Airports hours away"
.
Senior Vice President, East Coast, International and Cargo
Operations Suzanne Boda said, "We’re thrilled to expand our
presence in the United Kingdom with new Birmingham flying.
Customers in both countries will have spectacular access to and
from the U.S. via our Philadelphia International Gateway
from Birmingham. We appreciate the support and hard work
of Birmingham officials as well as the continued support
and commitment of the Philadelphia City Division of Aviation"
.
Cassie Muir, Executive Director, British American Business Council,
added, "As an organisation that promotes the strong transatlantic
trade relationship that the UK and the US share, we are delighted
with the start of this transatlantic route on US Airways. Many of
our organisation's members travel to the US on a regular basis
for business purposes, so this route from Birmingham directly into
Philadelphia and beyond, allows companies within our region
greater access to the US, and also allows ease of transport in the
reverse manner. This route on US Airways will help save companies
time by providing them with direct access into the Midlands region
where many viable business interests lie"
.
Flights will operate five times a week, arriving into Birmingham
at 06:25. The service will then depart at 08:45, arriving
in Philadelphia at 11:50
.
Operating a Boeing 757-200 aircraft, US Airways will offer
a mixed cabinof 164 Economy seats and 12 business class seats
.
Passengers interested in booking on US Airways should visit
www.usairways.co.uk or call 0845 6003300 to make a reservation
.
Wednesday 13 May 2009
Air Finland Boeing 757-28A OH-AFJ positioned out under an
US Airways Boeing 757-2B7 N939UW operated their service to Philadelphia.
Continental Boeing 757-224 N18112 operated their flight to Newark
Lufthansa Canadair CRJ-701ER D-ACPJ operated their morning
