Philadelphia, PA – US Airways announced this morning that will ask for regulatory approval to add nonstop service between Philadelphia and Tel Aviv, Israel. US Airways, which would fly one daily round-trip flight between the cities, says its request for approval comes as the carrier “continues its international expansion.” US Airways hopes to begin year-round service on the route in July, pending approval from both the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Israeli government.
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US Airways says that at more than 5,700 miles each way, the Philadelphia-Tel Aviv route would be the longest nonstop route in its network. The company says the long-haul route would be made possible “by the delivery of new, longer-range A330-200 aircraft set for delivery in spring 2009.” If approved, Tel Aviv will be the 21st trans-Atlantic destination for US Airways from its Philadelphia hub.
Philadelphia officials appeared please with the announcement. “We look forward to working with US Airways to further establish Philadelphia as a major international gateway,” Philadelphia City Mayor Michael Nutter says in a press release issued by US Airways.
I hope they offer enticing fares for the people in the NY area to make the 90-120 minute trip down the NJ Turnpike from NYC, worthwhile.
Parking in PHL is cheaper than EWR or JFK too.
That is great for Lakewood residents.
It’s great for competition… not just for the Jews. There are a lot of business travelers and other religious people who travel to the Holy Land. Right now you are limited from the NY area, at least for non-stops.
Of course the parking is much less than EWR or JFK, but one must weigh the toal cost of driving there, parking, and the flight.
Either way, it’s a good sign for the Israeli economy. Plus I’m sure some Yid will figure out how to make money and offer a good deal for us with a shuttle service from areas further than Lakewood, Cherry Hill, etc.
Question is if the HAS Advantage card will offer points to fly to Israel on US Airways in addition to what they currently offer on EL AL?
I’ve heard HAS opened up their own travel agency and you can now use points to get to Israel through Europe as well but I don’t know much about it.
the price wont be any cheaper – but there will now be more availability for the tristate area people looking to fly to Israel
el al, continental, delta, us air (united and AA don’t fly because of corp. agreements)
my guess is it will be a flop. I hope I’m wrong
Umm…has anyone around here actually flown USAir? They are as professional as a Madrid airliner. There is a reason they went into bankruptcy a few times.