US Airways has announced new routes from its Philadelphia hub to Austin and San Antonio as well as adding a 6th frequency to DFW airport as well.  This is, without doubt, an attempt to put more pressure  on AA in its merger quest and demonstrate that the airline can satisfy travelers in Texas.

Consider that US Airways is pointing out that it already competes admirably on a trunk route like DFW to PHL.  This is an argument that service they provide is up to American Airlines passenger standard and exceeds them more than likely.

Putting direct flights in to San Antonio and Austin is also a statement that it intends to move into Texas and do well whether American Airlines wants to cooperate or not.  Those two cities provide an exceptional amount of “feed” into DFW and US Airways is going to try to poach that feed with direct, non-stop flights.

These are bold moves and designed to get the attention of American Airlines.  If AA responds with its normal “we’re not bothered” statement, I think they’ll find themselves subject to scrutiny from both creditors as well as its board of directors.  You can only ignore the elephant in the room for so long.

Filed under: Airline News by ajax