US Airways’ inaugural flight to Washington Reagan Airport (DCA) in Washington D.C. from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) took place yesterday, July 11.
“US Airways’ announcement means that, for the first time, there will be competition on non-stop service between Minneapolis-St. Paul and Washington Reagan National Airport” Metropolitan Airports Commission Executive Director Jeff Hamiel said. “When airlines compete for customers the result is increased choice and often lower fares for travelers.”
US Airways now offers three daily, non-stop flights from MSP to DCA. The flights will be operated by US Airways Express partner Republic Airlines, using dual-class 69-seat Embraer 170 and 80-seat Embraer 175 aircraft.
Previously, only Delta Air Lines flew nonstop between MSP and Washington Reagan National Airport, with six daily departures. Sun Country Airlines provides same aircraft, one-stop service to Washington Reagan National Airport through Lansing, Michigan.
With the new route, US Airways will now fly non-stop between MSP and each of the airline’s core service areas: Charlotte, North Carolina; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Phoenix, Arizona, and Washington, D.C.
US Airways was among MSP’s fastest growing airlines in 2011, serving nearly 7 percent more passengers than it did in 2010. Washington D.C. is the 9th most popular destination from MSP, with more than 600 people a day flying from MSP to the nation’s capital.
To view photos from the inaugural flight celebration visit MSP Airport's facebook page.
