US Airways plans to launch Phoenix-Tokyo flight in 2012

[Matt Ottosen]

Thursday, August 13, 2009, 2:51pm MST

US Airways plans to launch Phoenix-Tokyo flight in 2012
Phoenix Business Journal - by Mike Sunnucks

US Airways Group Inc. said Thursday it would launch the first direct flight between Phoenix and Asia.

Tempe-based US Airways said it would start nonstop service between Sky Harbor Airport and Tokyo in 2012. Phoenix has never had a direct flight to Asia and has only one direct flight to Europe, a British Airways flight to London).

"US Airways, our hometown airline, recognizes that Phoenix is an emerging international city and the right city to invest in international growth. In any economy, Phoenix has a very bright future and investing here makes good business sense," said Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon.

US Airways could also launch a new flight between Phoenix and Sao Paulo, Brazil.

The carrier operates most of its international flights out of its Philadelphia hub.

Phoenix has lagged Los Angeles, Denver, Las Vegas, Houston and Dallas in terms of international flights and Gordon has been pressing to attract more international service into Sky Harbor.

[Dave S.]

What aircraft will they use for the route to Asia, the A330?  Anyone know the range of the A330?