| Offices : Beckley • Charleston • Fairmont • Martinsburg • Washington, DC | E-mail Senator Rockefeller |
July 19, 2001
ROCKEFELLER ANNOUNCES REGIONAL US AIRWAYS EXPRESS
SERVICE WILL CONTINUE BETWEEN WASHINGTON, D.C. AND CLARKSBURG, MORGANTOWN AND LEWISBURG
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) announced today that US Airways Express round-trip air service between Washington, DC and three West Virginia cities – Clarksburg, Morgantown and Lewisburg – will continue and has been enhanced. Earlier this month, Air Midwest, who operates 19-seat aircraft in these communities as a US Airways Express affiliate, announced that they would discontinue service in September.
"When I first learned that these flights would be canceled, I was extremely concerned because the lack of service could have a serious negative affect on businesses and residents in the area," Rockefeller said. "I am extremely pleased that US Airways was able to reconfigure their carriers to continue the regional service. The fact that US Airways has made the effort to keep these flights going shows a sincere commitment to the state and the people of West Virginia."
After learning of the announcement, Rockefeller, who is Chairman of the Aviation subcommittee on the Senate Commerce Committee, immediately contacted US Airways and the US Department of Transportation to work out a way to maintain service.
As a result, US Airways will continue to offer twice daily service from both Morgantown and Clarksburg and one flight daily from Lewisburg to Washington, DC. The new service will be operated by a wholly-owned subsidiary of US Airways Group, Inc. The improved service will be operated with 37-seat turboprop aircraft that offer stand-up headroom, added carry-on baggage space, and a lavatory. These flights will also have flight attendant service.
Rockefeller expressed his approval at the outcome noting that there will be no gap in service, larger aircraft offering more comfort, and an improvement in flight schedules.
US Airways Express will begin its new schedule effective October 15, 2001.
E-mail Senator Rockefeller | Click here for more contact information.