US Airways’ A330-200 delivery schedule will add 17 widebody’s to the inventory during the next 3 years. With the company’s decision to add these aircraft to the fleet count and refurbish the B767s the widebody year-end fleet plans will be:
2007 – 19
2008 – 19
2009 – 25
2010 – 31
2011 – 36
In addition, the company will continue to operate B757 ETOPS aircraft on long thin routes to Europe and Hawaii.
The primary international focus will be to Eastern Europe, the Middle East, China , and Japan with potential new service to South America. Most of this expansion will be flown from PHL; however, PHX and CLT could get new service. The only new 2008 destination will be London Heathrow.
With all of the problems in PHL, the company believes it is the right location on the East Coast for international growth, with its strong domestic feed and business demand. And, just a word about PHL in terms of East Coast business high density markets (which is a fancy way of saying a lot of people live and travel to and from this airport). PHL, DCA and NYC are the three most important European gateways. The company believes it is fortunate to have a big presence in PHL because it’s very profitable and a very valuable part of US Airways’ business model.
The company further indicated that from PHX new service could be flown to London , Frankfurt and Tokyo but, new PHX long haul service is not likely prior to 2010 and it will require an A330-200 or A350.
From CLT the LGW and FRA service does well, existing PHL destinations in Europe are being looked at, and there is potential for new South American service.
Summary
The company’s international growth will be the core focus in 2009/10/11. The domestic market is mature and growth will be slow if not negative (due to the pending recession and energy prices).
The company’s revised fleet plan for the mainline is now in place.
In summary the company’s network growth strategy will center primarily on international growth because the domestic marketplace is simply pretty full as it stands now (or what management calls “matureâ€). The company believes we will not be adding any new point-to-point domestic service, the hub and spoke network is the best model, and we will add widebody airplanes to facilitate international growth.
Regards,
USA320Pilot
2007 – 19
2008 – 19
2009 – 25
2010 – 31
2011 – 36
In addition, the company will continue to operate B757 ETOPS aircraft on long thin routes to Europe and Hawaii.
The primary international focus will be to Eastern Europe, the Middle East, China , and Japan with potential new service to South America. Most of this expansion will be flown from PHL; however, PHX and CLT could get new service. The only new 2008 destination will be London Heathrow.
With all of the problems in PHL, the company believes it is the right location on the East Coast for international growth, with its strong domestic feed and business demand. And, just a word about PHL in terms of East Coast business high density markets (which is a fancy way of saying a lot of people live and travel to and from this airport). PHL, DCA and NYC are the three most important European gateways. The company believes it is fortunate to have a big presence in PHL because it’s very profitable and a very valuable part of US Airways’ business model.
The company further indicated that from PHX new service could be flown to London , Frankfurt and Tokyo but, new PHX long haul service is not likely prior to 2010 and it will require an A330-200 or A350.
From CLT the LGW and FRA service does well, existing PHL destinations in Europe are being looked at, and there is potential for new South American service.
Summary
The company’s international growth will be the core focus in 2009/10/11. The domestic market is mature and growth will be slow if not negative (due to the pending recession and energy prices).
The company’s revised fleet plan for the mainline is now in place.
In summary the company’s network growth strategy will center primarily on international growth because the domestic marketplace is simply pretty full as it stands now (or what management calls “matureâ€). The company believes we will not be adding any new point-to-point domestic service, the hub and spoke network is the best model, and we will add widebody airplanes to facilitate international growth.
Regards,
USA320Pilot
) <- Why doesn't any US carrier fly there?
