US Airways has
selected a site at Pittsburgh International Airport for its new $25 million,
60,000 square foot flight operations control center. Approximately 600
aviation professionals will eventually be housed at the new facility, which
will be the nerve center of US Airways’ 1,400 daily mainline flights.

“We gave careful consideration to proposals from Phoenix, Charlotte and
Pittsburgh, and all three cities gave compelling reasons to consider those
proposals.  However, we chose Pittsburgh for a variety of reasons, including
the impact of relocating experienced employees from the Pittsburgh area and
the amount of value created for US Airways in the Pittsburgh proposal.  We
were particularly impressed with the outstanding commitment of, and
cooperation between, city, county and state officials to this project.  These
cooperative efforts do not occur without strong leadership,” said Scott Kirby,
US Airways’ president.

  “We appreciate the hard work of many individuals who made today’s
announcement possible, including Governor Ed Rendell; Pennsylvania Department
of Community and Economic Development Secretary Dennis Yablonsky; Allegheny
County Chief Executive Dan Onorato; Allegheny County Economic Development
Director Dennis Davin; Allegheny County Airport Authority Chairman Glenn
Mahone; Allegheny County Airport Authority Executive Director Kent George; the
entire Allegheny County Airport Authority and the Allegheny Conference on
Community Development Executive Director Michael Langley.

  “We are also very appreciative of the efforts of state and local officials
in Phoenix and Charlotte, N.C., but believe the decision to expand our
existing operation at Pittsburgh is the best operational and financial choice
for our people and our airline,” Kirby said.

  Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell said, “US Airways
decision to consolidate their Operations Center in Pittsburgh is tremendously
good news for Pittsburgh and the entire commonwealth—I am absolutely
thrilled they chose Pennsylvania.  The dedicated workforce, the attractiveness
of the region and hard work of everyone who contributed to this effort should
be credited for what is a major boost for Pittsburgh, and the entire region.”

  Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato said, “We’re pleased that US
Airways has chosen to locate its combined operations control center in
Allegheny County, and we look forward to years of continued partnership with
the airline.  Today’s announcement is also further proof that Allegheny County
is a great place to do business.  My administration will continue to work with
other companies as they look to expand and bring jobs to our county.”

  Allegheny County Airport Authority Chairman Glenn Mahone said, “US
Airways’ new operations control center will be an asset to our community.  We
anticipate a great working relationship as we move forward to successfully
complete this project.”
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