The combined American Airlines and US Airways airline has launched its first service at Shannon Airport following the airlines’ merger last year with the recommencement of the seasonal summer service to Philadelphia Airport (PHL).
The service, which runs until 2nd September 2014, returns after its successful launch for the 2013 summer season under the US Airways flag.
The route will complement additional US services from Shannon to Boston, Chicago, Newark and JFK New York Airports this summer.
Philadelphia is also significant addition to the summer season schedule at Shannon as it is one of the merged airline’s leading hub airports, offering connections to well over 100 destinations across 25 countries, including the US, Canada, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean.
Passengers flying from Shannon also have the benefit of availing of US Customs and Border Protection preclearance, avoiding delays on arrival in the US. Shannon in 2009 became the first airport outside North America to secure US preclearance services.
The service departs Shannon daily at 11.35 a.m., arriving in Philadelphia (local time) at 2.p.m. The return leg of the service departs Philadelphia at 9.10 a.m., arriving in Shannon at 8.40 a.m. (local time) the following day.
The new and seasonal services are operated as part of American’s recent merger with US Airways, creating the world’s largest airline, providing customers access to a wealth of destinations worldwide.
“By increasing our presence in Europe to a combined 56 routes, we are providing our customers on both sides of the Atlantic with a growing choice of seamless connections to major business and leisure destinations worldwide,” said Suzanne Boda, American Airlines’ Senior Vice President of Asia, Canada, Europe and Cargo.
Welcoming the return of services to Philadelphia, Declan Power, Head of Aviation Development at Shannon stated that “We are delighted with the return of American Airlines services to Shannon and we are confident that the Philadelphia route will again be a major contributor to the growing number of US visitors to the West of Ireland.
“The US Airways/American Airlines services have already delivered in excess of 500,000 passengers through Shannon Airport and we will be working with the airline to evaluate further opportunities for development and expansion. As an added convenience, customers can clear U.S. immigration and customs before departing Shannon, allowing for a quick and efficient arrival experience at Philadelphia.
“With onward connections to over 100 cities, customers are able to check their baggage through to their final destination and ultimately reduce the amount of time needed to connect to their next flight. “
