Grand Rapids, MI – American Airlines officially expanded its East Coast connectivity today by launching new routes to Charlotte and Philadelphia from the Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GFIA). The new nonstop service from Grand Rapids, MI (GRR) offers flights to Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT) and Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). The service will be operated as US Airways Express with 50-seat CRJ-200 aircraft.
The Grand Rapids community welcomed the inaugural flight with a water cannon salute by the airport’s Fire Department, a Charlotte and Philadelphiathemed cake, as well as Carolina BBQ sandwiches and Philly Cheesesteaks. Representatives from the airport, the airport board and dignitaries in the West Michigan community were on hand to welcome passengers that stepped off US Airways Express flight 3890, arriving from Charlotte.
“We are thrilled to have American, and partner US Airways, expand our air service market in Grand Rapids, and we look forward to offering more choices for our travelers,” said GFIA Executive Director Brian Ryks.
“This new nonstop service to Charlotte and Philadelphia will not only connect West Michigan to two large, thriving cities, but it will also provide convenient connections to many other domestic and international destinations.”
Charlotte-Douglas International Airport offers nearly 650 daily departures to more than 140 destinations on American Airlines. Philadelphia International Airport has nearly 450 daily departures connecting to more than 120 destinations.
In addition to these two new routes, American also offers service to GRR from its hubs in Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) and Chicago O’Hare (ORD). In December 2013, American Airlines and US Airways closed their merger, creating the largest airline in the world.
Travelers can book now for these flights operated as US Airways Express, which begin in Grand Rapids on Sept. 3, 2014.
Flights from Grand Rapids to Charlotte will operate twice daily departing GRR at 6:45 a.m. and 11:55 a.m. Flights from Grand Rapids to Philadelphia will also run twice daily, departing GRR at 7:00 a.m. and 3:40 p.m.
About GFIA
The Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GFIA) is the second busiest airport in Michigan. The airport served over 2.23 million passengers in 2013 and over 6,000 travelers pass through GFIA each day. The Gerald R. Ford International Airport offers non-stop service to 24 major market destinations with 120 daily non-stop flights. The Gerald R. Ford International Airport is managed and operated by the Kent County Department of Aeronautics. GFIA generates over $500 million annually in economic activity throughout West Michigan and employs over 1,500 people. For more information on GFIA visit: www.grr.org or follow the airport on Twitter: @FlyGRFord.
