American Airlines has announced that it will begin seasonal Saturday service from Philadelphia International Airport to Vail/Eagle, CO beginning December 21.
It’s the first nonstop flight between Philadelphia and one of the nation’s most popular winter resorts.
American, the largest airline at Philadelphia International will operate the flights on Boeing 757 aircraft.
“American has a robust schedule from Philadelphia to warm weather destinations for snow birds; the new service to Vail will provide a convenient travel option to those who prefer skiing and winter activities in one of America’s best resorts,” said Airport CEO Chellie Cameron. “American’s continued efforts to expand its network reach from PHL is good news for travelers in the region and beyond.”
Vail is the 7th domestic destination that American has added in 2019. This year, American has launched non-stop service from PHL to Sarasota, Key West and Melbourne, FL as well as Asheville, N.C., and Chattanooga. All the destinations, except Sarasota, are served only by American from PHL.
“As part of our continued efforts to develop a leading route network connecting more people and places across the globe, American Airlines is excited to add seasonal winter service between Philadelphia and Vail, Colorado,” said Jim Moses, American Airlines Vice President of PHL Hub Operations. “The weekly flight provides customers looking to enjoy the snow easy access to one of the country’s most well-known ski destinations.”
Last month, American Airlines announced that it will begin daily year-round service from Philadelphia to Bentonville, Arkansas Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport beginning September 4. It’s the first non-stop service between Philadelphia and Bentonville.
American, the largest airline at PHL, will operate the flights on Embraer 175 regional jets.
Bentonville is the world headquarters for Walmart.
Over the past couple of years, American has been working to fill out its route map from Philadelphia to include smaller cities as Frontier Airlines offers service a few times a week to smaller cities like Sarasota. American accounts for 78 percent of flights. out of Philadelphia.
It has also boosted international service from Philadelphia, due in part, to renovstion work at New York’s JFK Airport.
While Philadelphia is profitable, American has put more resources on its more lucrative Dallas and Charlotte hubs.
American had trimmed back its Philadelphia schedule after the merger with US Airways, which had previously been the dominant carrier at Philadelphia International Airport.
