As an outsider, if this is true it would be a sign (maybe too late) that at least some in US mgt get it. Adding mainline back on routes like this does at least three things:
-- Maximizes the revenue generated by key assets at pricey focus cities (DCA, BOS, LGA)
-- Increases market presence at the spoke cities, helping get whatever S-curve benefits there still are
-- reduces cost/pax in each of these markets through upgauging
I'm glad US has given up the follow of trying to drive up yields by downgauging routes to Express.
Now, what they need to make sure they do is make sure there is enough communication and marketing to their fliers in DCA and at the spokes so that people realize that US is now offering a superior offering again (tatty aircraft appearance aside).
Any word on the routes on which Independence will deploy its A320s?
This is the right move for US Airways. Its nice to see something going in the right direction.
Theoretically, US Airways needs the larger aircraft in order to lower CASM (thus be profitable vs IAIR) and in order to offer a comparable number of seats to IAIR (because of slot controls).
My only complaint is that this is coming at the worst time of the year for travel, but you can't have it all...
I suspect we will see something similar from LGA later in the year...
The other question is where did these aircraft come from? Perhaps this is the benefit of MDA, moving 319's/733's from PIT to DCA? Makes sense to me.
And Bud8EE, I'll remember that we heard it from you first. B)
I noticed this change in the September schedules as well. USAirways will be adding a relatively significant amount of mainline flights out of Columbus and Indianapolis, bringing mainline back to DCA as already mentioned, as well as adding mainline to other routes.
From Indianapolis, PHL will see 2 flights upgraded from RJs to 737-300s and DCA will have 3 RJs bumped up to 733s. The 5 new mainline flights will put Indy's total to 14 daily mainline flights, though 2 RJ flights will be cut (1 from DCA and 1 from CLT) presumably to compensate for the additional mainline seats.
From Columbus, CLT will see the largest increase, going from 4 mainline flights and 1 RJ to 6 mainline flights and 1 RJ. CMH-PHL will also receive an additional mainline frequency, going from 5 to 6 daily flights. A CMH-PIT frequency will be upgraded to an EMB-170 from an ERJ, and one CMH-DCA flight will go from an ERJ to a 733. USAirways' weekly CMH-MCO flight will remain as is with a 733. Overall, CMH will have 10 mainline flights, up from 6, and 28 daily flights total, up from 25.
