ARLINGTON, Va., June 11, 2001—US Airways today filed an application with the U.S. Department of Transportation for route authority to serve Nassau in The Bahamas from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

The airline is seeking approval to begin daily nonstop service in November 2002, using new Airbus A319 aircraft with seating for 120 passengers. Foreign government approval will also be sought.

The new route, which will become US Airways’ third international service from Reagan National, complements existing daily nonstop flights serving Nassau from the airline’s Philadelphia and Charlotte hubs, and New York’s LaGuardia Airport. Flight frequency will increase to twice-daily from Charlotte for the winter.

US Airways will begin daily nonstop flights between Bermuda and Reagan National on July 7, and the same day, US Airways Express carrier Piedmont Airlines will introduce nonstop service to Toronto from Reagan National with four daily flights, increasing to five on Aug. 4, 2002.

“This strengthens further US Airways’ range and scope of operation at Reagan National, while contributing to the airline’s continued expansion of its Caribbean network,” said Douglas Leo, US Airways vice president of international. “Nassau is a key market for US Airways, and service from Reagan National will provide additional convenient access for U.S. and Bahamas-originating travelers.”

US Airways announced last week that it will begin new weekly nonstop service between Philadelphia and Grenada on Dec. 21. The airline will also launch weekly nonstop flights between Philadelphia and St. Kitts on Dec. 7, together with new services from Charlotte to Providenciales in the Turks and Caicos starting Nov. 2, and to Belize on Nov. 9, each with four flights weekly. These four new routes are each subject to foreign government approval.

Additionally, US Airways has announced a cooperation and marketing initiative with three regional Caribbean airlines—Caribbean Star Airlines, Nevis Express and WINAIR (Windward Island Airways)—including affiliation through US Airways’ Dividend Miles frequent traveler program, US Airways Vacations, and in some markets, code share. The GoCaribbean initiative plans to offer additional service to 14 island destinations.

US Airways currently serves the following 16 Caribbean destinations: Antigua, Aruba, Barbados, Bermuda, Cancun, Cozumel, Grand Bahama Island, Grand Cayman, Montego Bay, Nassau, San Juan, Santo Domingo, St. Croix, St. Lucia, St. Thomas and St. Maarten.

US Airways Express also serves North Eleuthera, Governors Harbour, Marsh Harbour and Treasure Cay from Florida.

Reporters needing additional information should contact US Airways Corporate Communications at (703) 872-5100.

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