The FINANCIAL — US Airways (NYSE:LCC) announced on September 20 that it will expand its international presence at its Charlotte, N.C. hub when the airline begins daily, nonstop seasonal summer service between Charlotte Douglas International Airport and Madrid and Dublin in May 2011.
The new flights will complement US Airways' daily, nonstop year-round service to both destinations from Philadelphia, the airline's international gateway.
The new flights bring the number of international destinations US Airways serves from its largest hub to 31 – six cities in Europe and 25 in Latin America and the Caribbean. US Airways' membership in the Star Alliance network offers customers traveling beyond Madrid and Dublin access to other destinations served by Star Alliance member carriers.
"Our new summer service from Charlotte will meet the peak travel demand for Madrid and Dublin," said US Airways Senior Vice President, Marketing and Planning Andrew Nocella. "We're delighted to offer our customers throughout the southeastern and western United States another convenient option for traveling to two of our most popular destinations in Europe."
"This announcement of nonstop service to two of Europe's most popular destinations from Charlotte is great news for the community and reaffirms the strength of Charlotte Douglas International Airport as an emerging international gateway," said City of Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx.
Madrid service, which starts May 4 and ends Oct. 29, will be operated with Boeing B767-200 ER aircraft with seating for 18 in Envoy, US Airways' international business class, and 186 in the main cabin. Dublin service, which starts May 6 and ends Sept. 30 will be operated with Boeing B757-200 ETOPS aircraft with seating for 12 in Envoy and 164 in the main cabin.
