US Airways Dividend Miles - USAirways start service - CLT - ROME - Today - pls .comment

front page of Charlotte Observer has an excellent article about USAirways starting direct service from Charlotte to Rome Today. It also talks about other services that USAirways may start in Rio, China and India market.
Nicely written and put a good plug for Charlotte market.
I fly in and out of GSO but was happy to see increased service by USAirways in Charlotte.
Please feel free to share your positive thoughts on this matter.

Thanks

front page of Charlotte Observer has an excellent article about USAirways starting direct service from Charlotte to Rome Today. It also talks about other services that USAirways may start in Rio, China and India market.
Nicely written and put a good plug for Charlotte market.
I fly in and out of GSO but was happy to see increased service by USAirways in Charlotte.
Please feel free to share your positive thoughts on this matter.

Thanks

China? With what airplane????? Certainly not the 330-200 which would be maxed out on that range with NO reserves.

I want to go to Rome, never been there.

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/05/13/1432365/overseas-flights-surge-in-charlotte.html

"US Airways is scheduled to receive 14 new Airbus A350 aircraft in 2017 - planes that will allow the airline to reach China and India from Charlotte or Philadelphia"

That's a lot of pie in the sky thinking for something 7 years out. Can the 350 fly to those destinations from CLT? Yes. Will it? Probably not, in favor of PHL.

While HNL is not international, this was a big deal to US because it was only competing with ATL and EWR for East-of-the-Mississippi direct service. Yet, no mention in the article about that route being dropped 9 months after it began.

And if the yields to GIG continue to disappoint the bean counters, you can count on it going bye bye too.

I love articles that try to position CLT as this great alternative, but at least this one was sober enough to admit that the connecting traffic is key. Without it, CLT is a ghost town like PIT became. PHL will always have the O&D, regardless which airline is flying a route like FCO, LHR, CDG or FRA.

I love articles that try to position CLT as this great alternative, but at least this one was sober enough to admit that the connecting traffic is key. Without it, CLT is a ghost town like PIT became. PHL will always have the O&D, regardless which airline is flying a route like FCO, LHR, CDG or FRA.

This is so true. I was amazed last week when I flew CLT-PIT on a full plane only maybe 4-5 bags were on the belt in baggage claim and everyone seemed headed to the Caribbean or some other destination.

While HNL is not international, this was a big deal to US because it was only competing with ATL and EWR for East-of-the-Mississippi direct service.

Hey, Chicago is East of the Mississippi, and AA and UA fly nonstop to Hawaii from ORD. US was really just competing with CO for East Coast (or practically East Coast) nonstop service. ;)

Seriously, though, I agree with you about CLT. It's a great hub airport in a rather small metro area, and history hasn't been kind to great hubs in relatively small metro areas over the past decade or two. PIT, DAY, SJC, BNA, RDU and CVG come to mind. I'm certain there are others.

True, CLT is just a hub, with less O&D traffic than other cities, but don't discount its geography. People living in Texas flying to Florida (South America, etc.) won't fly up to PHL to connect south. Likewise, people flying between Boston and Chicago would rather connect in PHL than CLT. Focusing your entire operation out of one hub can isolate entire regions of the country. While Continental genrally hubbed in IAH and EWR - both great O&D cities, as a resident of Florida, I rarely could fly them - as I wouldn't connect in EWR to go to MEM, for example. O&D traffic is a huge benefit to airlines' bottoms lines (especially since the fares tend to be higher on direct versus connecting flights) but connecting passengers do generate a lot of revenue. I hope the bean counters at US understand this and maintain and grow their presence in CLT.

I want to go to Rome, never been there.

I am. I have been there in Italy years ago and this time where we stop by says hello to Italy right next to Switzerland border lines. All you want go there any EU countries but, there is no stamp necessary. It is free country where you want go there in EU.

China? With what airplane????? Certainly not the 330-200 which would be maxed out on that range with NO reserves.

The upgraded 332 HGW, due for 1st delivery this or next month, should be able to make PHL/NRT and PHL/PEK at full take off weight with little problem. PHX, however because of the local Lift environment could still not be possible. Unfortunately, I do not know if US has revised their order with Airbus to accept the HGW for 2011+ deliveries. Existing 332s (probably after a certain serial number) can be field upgraded in the future. This still presents the question, can US fly either PHL-NRT and/or PHL-PEK competitively and still make an acceptable profit using the limited capacity of a fully loaded 332 ? - only Tempe knows.

..................................I love articles that try to position CLT as this great alternative, but at least this one was sober enough to admit that the connecting traffic is key. Without it, CLT is a ghost town like PIT became. PHL will always have the O&D, regardless which airline is flying a route like FCO, LHR, CDG or FRA.

It is my understanding, that the CLT-FCO flight was created to provide connecting relief for the high O&D PHL-FCO flight, which was consistently full during shoulder and peak seasons. I'd speculate the CLT-FCO flight will average near 80% connecting traffic, which while accompllshing the task of relieving the PHL flight, will likely struggle - even at limited frequency, and possibly be canceled during the off seasons.

The upgraded 332 HGW, due for 1st delivery this or next month, should be able to make PHL/NRT and PHL/PEK at full take off weight with little problem. PHX, however because of the local Lift environment could still not be possible. Unfortunately, I do not know if US has revised their order with Airbus to accept the HGW for 2011+ deliveries. Existing 332s (probably after a certain serial number) can be field upgraded in the future. This still presents the question, can US fly either PHL-NRT and/or PHL-PEK competitively and still make an acceptable profit using the limited capacity of a fully loaded 332 ? - only Tempe knows.

Can A332 will fly TPAC without payload restrictions? Because it was problem the weight restrictions cannot have enough range to be reachable into NRT. I think you mentioned where US is already considering PHX-NRT to startup service in between 2011 or 2012 timelines. It will workout very well on operated A332 aircraft out of PHX-NRT nonstop without penalty to loaded more cargo hold.

The upgraded 332 HGW, due for 1st delivery this or next month, should be able to make PHL/NRT and PHL/PEK at full take off weight with little problem. PHX, however because of the local Lift environment could still not be possible. Unfortunately, I do not know if US has revised their order with Airbus to accept the HGW for 2011+ deliveries. Existing 332s (probably after a certain serial number) can be field upgraded in the future. This still presents the question, can US fly either PHL-NRT and/or PHL-PEK competitively and still make an acceptable profit using the limited capacity of a fully loaded 332 ? - only Tempe knows.
.

The prospect of a PHL-PEK flight in Envoy (shudder) is not that appealing of a thought compared to so many of the other carriers offerings that fly to China in Biz. But, it will be interesting to see what routes US Airways does offer with these longer-range-capable aircraft.

The prospect of a PHL-PEK flight in Envoy (shudder) is not that appealing of a thought compared to so many of the other carriers offerings that fly to China in Biz.

Compared to the Asian-based carriers this is true. But having flown trans-Pacific on UA several times in C from the US East Coast, I'd be OK with Envoy Suites any day.

That said, we won't see non-stops to China or NRT out of CLT any time soon. The O&D just is not there.

It is my understanding, that the CLT-FCO flight was created to provide connecting relief for the high O&D PHL-FCO flight, which was consistently full during shoulder and peak seasons. I'd speculate the CLT-FCO flight will average near 80% connecting traffic, which while accompllshing the task of relieving the PHL flight, will likely struggle - even at limited frequency, and possibly be canceled during the off seasons.

This is where I scratch my head. I would think U.S. would offer a second daily or 5x weekly PHL-FCO flight in order to become a "better" TA carrier. Provide customers with more options. The only route I know of that is double daily is FRA during the summer.

The prospect of a PHL-PEK flight in Envoy (shudder) is not that appealing of a thought compared to so many of the other carriers offerings that fly to China in Biz. But, it will be interesting to see what routes US Airways does offer with these longer-range-capable aircraft.

Are you waiting for A350-800XWB or A330-200HGW will expected to be deliveries?

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/05/13/1432365/overseas-flights-surge-in-charlotte.html
"US Airways is scheduled to receive 14 new Airbus A350 aircraft in 2017 - planes that will allow the airline to reach China and India from Charlotte or Philadelphia"
PHL will always have the O&D, regardless which airline is flying a route like FCO, LHR, CDG or FRA.
+1
especially with the NJ and mid atlantic traffic, either DEL or BOM will be possible.
Even for the midwest and the west coast, this will add connecting traffic as well.

+1
especially with the NJ and mid atlantic traffic, either DEL or BOM will be possible.
Even for the midwest and the west coast, this will add connecting traffic as well.Hopefully BOM! ^

Gives us an alternative to flying LH, on an American carrier.

Compared to the Asian-based carriers this is true. But having flown trans-Pacific on UA several times in C from the US East Coast, I'd be OK with Envoy Suites any day.

That said, we won't see non-stops to China or NRT out of CLT any time soon. The O&D just is not there.


I couldn't agree more with GEO, I shudder to think about very long UA flights in C and avoid them like the plague and would choose the surly attitudes of the US PHL staff for a nice suite anyday, assuming I'm forced to fly a USA carrier, instead of an Asian line :p

I do believe all new international services including PEK and BOM (if in the works) will be out of CLT not PHL.
So I look to USAirways with huge international expansion out of CLT.

This is where I scratch my head. I would think U.S. would offer a second daily or 5x weekly PHL-FCO flight in order to become a "better" TA carrier. Provide customers with more options. The only route I know of that is double daily is FRA during the summer.

CDG used to be 2x 767 in the summer (this was at least 3-4 years back, though).

I do believe all new international services including PEK and BOM (if in the works) will be out of CLT not PHL.
So I look to USAirways with huge international expansion out of CLT.

Huh? Charlotte can't even support year round daily( yes it might operate year round but not daily) service to Paris(not a seasonal market) or Rome and you think there will be expansion to Asia and India from there?. Addtionally, the Charlotte Hub is supported by almost 150+ more flights to feed those routes than Philly. Another stupid question? Where y'all gonna put those planes- translation- where is the new international terminal? Instead Jerry Orr is adding a couple of gates- not a bad idea to keep costs down. Unless Charlotte's O&D traffic more than doubles, I highly doubt there will be more than a couple more European Cities-maybe. I still believe US's South American expansion plans from Charlotte are dicey at best i.e the Gig route is not performing well at all and might not even survive inspite of the Tam Code Share.

Huh? Charlotte can't even support year round daily( yes it might operate year round but not daily) service to Paris(not a seasonal market) or Rome and you think there will be expansion to Asia and India from there?. Addtionally, the Charlotte Hub is supported by almost 150+ more flights to feed those routes than Philly. Another stupid question? Where y'all gonna put those planes- translation- where is the new international terminal? Instead Jerry Orr is adding a couple of gates- not a bad idea to keep costs down. Unless Charlotte's O&D traffic more than doubles, I highly doubt there will be more than a couple more European Cities-maybe. I still believe US's South American expansion plans from Charlotte are dicey at best i.e the Gig route is not performing well at all and might not even survive inspite of the Tam Code Share.


Well it is a hub...US Airways' biggest hub... no one said CLT has more O&D than PHL...but it does have more connecting feed than PHL....ATL couldn't support slews of the flights it has if it had a hub the size of PHL. It's relative. CLT is a growing city and region...as the city grows so to will its O&D.

For all we know CLT could turn into Little China in the future...15 years ago I'm sure if you asked someone if Charlotte one day would have a sizeable Hispanic community they would look puzzeled...Here we are...with a Mexico City flight to boot...instead of PHL because CLT's O&D and feed is actually better.

Well it is a hub...US Airways' biggest hub... no one said CLT has more O&D than PHL...but it does have more connecting feed than PHL....ATL couldn't support slews of the flights it has if it had a hub the size of PHL. It's relative. CLT is a growing city and region...as the city grows so to will its O&D.

For all we know CLT could turn into Little China in the future...15 years ago I'm sure if you asked someone if Charlotte one day would have a sizeable Hispanic community they would look puzzeled...Here we are...with a Mexico City flight to boot...instead of PHL because CLT's O&D and feed is actually better.

No Clt has Gig and Rio Service not because it has better O&D then Phl its because of its geographical position( if you listened to US last earnings call you would have heard Scott Kirby say that)- that is to say it is more logical to route people South than to route them north to Philly. Lets not even try to compare Atl and Clt, Atl's O&D is multiples the size of Charlotte. If the Hub goes away CLt would probably lose all Tatl service-Philly would lose service to the secondary markets but would always have service to Lhr, Fra, Cdg and maybe FCO and Dub

No Clt has Gig and Rio Service not because it has better O&D then Phl its because of its geographical position( if you listened to US last earnings call you would have heard Scott Kirby say that) - (emphasis mine)

I had listened to the last US earnings call, but don't remember hearing that. All too well I know my ears could have deceived me, so I read the earnings call transcript (http://seekingalpha.com/article/201201-us-airways-group-inc-q1-2010-earnings-call-transcript?source=yahoo) - nada.

Sorry to be nitpicky, but to be accurate, Kirby made those remarks during a 2009 earnings call in response to an analyst's question :p

Charlotte may not be able to fill in planes by itself but being a hub, it will help with flights being fed in.

It is easy to make comments that CLT cannot support flights and GIG and GRU may be cancelled. On the contrary USAirways is in process of working with Brazilian businesses etc. to fill those planes. There is not other carrier offering direct services to the Carolinas and that does help. For example, when we have to fly to Brazil, it was always a hassel to fly in and out of Miami, now we have a direct flight. Once in CLT, we can drive home in less then 2 hours. That is worth talking about!

Charlotte may not be able to fill in planes by itself but being a hub, it will help with flights being fed in.
!

I, for one, am certainly hopeful that US boosts int'l from CLT, as opposed to having to go thru PHL. Being in PIT, that is a far more attractive option for me.

At least I would feel like I was making southerly prgoress, instead of going east to go south

No Clt has Gig and Rio Service not because it has better O&D then Phl its because of its geographical position( if you listened to US last earnings call you would have heard Scott Kirby say that)- that is to say it is more logical to route people South than to route them north to Philly. Lets not even try to compare Atl and Clt, Atl's O&D is multiples the size of Charlotte. If the Hub goes away CLt would probably lose all Tatl service-Philly would lose service to the secondary markets but would always have service to Lhr, Fra, Cdg and maybe FCO and Dub

read closely...i didnt say clt has better O&D than phl for GIG or GRU...i said it did for Mexico City...

I'm not comparing ATL to CLT...but you do realize ATL metro area at one time was the size of CLT right? Even though that was in the 80s... If CLT continues and the Carolinas continue to grow it's O&D will too...

And compared to major cities which have extensive hub operations...ATL has low O&D. ATL couldn't support a slew of the flights it has without the feed.

Besides geography does play a big role...I'm sure that's why Delta chose ATL to start it's big South American push and not JFK...or wait was it the millions of latinos? Hmm I think it was primarily hub and geography...any business support though is nice.

I'm a CO flyer; have not flown US in years. Thinking about going CAK-CLT-FCO in late October, in coach. Looks like it's a 767. Any experience anyone can share? Advice? Thanks.