US Airways arrives in Israel

US Airways, the 5th largest airline in the United States, made its maiden flight to Tel Aviv with the inauguration of its direct service from Philadelphia to Tel Aviv.  Tel Aviv is the company’s first destination in the Middle East.

US Airways direct flight between Philadelphia and Tel Aviv at a distance of 5,700 miles (9,100 kilometers) is one of the company’s longest direct flights.   On the flight to Tel Aviv, US Airways are operating an Airbus A330-200 aircraft.  The outbound flight from the US departs Philadelphia Airport at 21:15, arriving in Tel Aviv at 15:15 the next afternoon.  The return flight departs from Tel Aviv at 23:50 arriving back in Philadelphia at 05:10 the next morning.

President of US Airways, Doug Parker was present for the maiden flight of the company’s service from Philadelphia to Tel Aviv.  Parker will be the guest of honor at a function being held at the home of the US Ambassador to Israel.  The mayor of Philadelphia is also expected to be in Israel for the launch of the new route.

Esther Kastiel, the head of the company in Israel revealed that the arrival of the company’s senior officials to Israel was carried out in the framework of the great expectations that they have on the route to Israel.  “The service to Philadelphia is expected to make it a significant hub airport for Israelis travelling to the United States and to make the city a destination in its own right,” added Kastiel.

Kastiel admitted that there had been many question marks from people in the industry, expressing their doubts about the profitability in operating this route.  “We have been progressing at a slow pace, but already have a few flights that are fully booked.”