US Airways Petitions for Philadelphia-China Route

The airline on Thursday said it would ask the U.S. Department of Transportation to approve Philadelphia-Shanghai service later this year, when the government organization begins accepting 2008 U.S.-China route applications. If approved, US Airways said service would be the carrier's first service to Asia and would begin March 2008. "Expansion to Asia is a logical next step for our airline, our 37,000 employees, and our customers," said US Airways CEO Doug Parker. "We are well-positioned at Philadelphia to conveniently serve business travelers from communities large and small throughout the Eastern United States, including the Mid-Atlantic region, and leisure travelers who are discovering Asia in increasing numbers. At the same time, we continue to demonstrate our commitment to Philadelphia as US Airways' primary international hub."