Airlines Info

Yesterday, I caught up on some DOT filings, and there’s always some interesting stuff in there. Like US Airways’ February 17th application , followed by Monday last week. In its application for service, US Airways says it will launch flights from Charlotte to Puerto Vallarta and Cabo “on or about June 1, 2010.” (No official announcement of service has come from US Airways, however, and approval is needed from the Mexican government as well.)

Both of the cities already have mainline service to Phoenix, and on June 1st each will have four frequencies to US Airways’ western hub. Puerto Vallarta will see two A319s and A320s, while Cabo gets a 757-200, an A320, and two A319s. US Airways plans to operate the Charlotte flying with A319s, and will serve Puerto Vallarta four times a week, and Cabo five times a week. Service is slated to be year-round.

US Airways already serves Cancún, Cozumel, and Mexico City from Charlotte.

This move makes sense to me. Only a few cities on the East Coast have a direct flight to Phoenix, so a connection in Philadelphia, Charlotte, or Washington is necessary. These flights will eliminate a second connection, which certainly makes life easier for travelers. It also makes US Airways more competitive here, since one-connection itineraries are available from the East Coast on other airlines.