Would a Merger Affect PHL?

The Chamber is awaiting the outcome of merger talks between U.S. Airways and United Airlines, and how a merger might affect Philadelphia International Airport.

The Philadelphia International Airport is a vital part of the regional economy, and US Airways is the airport’s main carrier, with 61% of its traffic.

Throughout the last few months, US Airways has demonstrated a commitment to the Philadelphia airport by meeting with Mayor Nutter to renew the company’s relationship with the City, bringing in talented executives to work in the region and announcing planned improvements to and investments in the airport facilities.

If the merger proceeds, PHL officials say that the airport will continue thrive and remain a domestic hub and an international gateway.

In the other airport news, Mark Schweiker, the Chamber’s President & CEO, submitted testimony at a Senate Appropriations subcommittee on transportation, housing and urban development hearing held by Senator Arlen Specter last month about the airport’s flight scheduling and airspace design.

Schweiker concluded his testimony on the economic importance of the airport with a call for unity. “We hope that all stakeholders -- the City of Philadelphia, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, neighboring jurisdictions, regional federal officials, the Federal Aviation Administration, the Department of Homeland Security, air carriers serving PHL and the business community — should dedicate ourselves to completing a series of actions and facility projects over the next ten years that will improve the quality of customer service, increase the availability of more non-stop flights, enhance the efficiency of operations and maximize the contribution of PHL to the quality of life and growth of regional prosperity here,” he said.

Click here to read the full testimony.