The impending merger of two large airlines will play a vital role in the futures of all local airports across the nation. US Airways and American Airlines have recently announced their $11 billion merger. Once it is completed, the resulting company will be the world’s largest airline. People are expecting the merger to be advantageous for all travelers.
Observers of the transportation sector say that the merger will generate more flights and opportunities for customers of both airlines. The two companies will complement each other’s services. Most local airports will benefit from the merger. Take for instance Florence, which suffered from the loss of Delta in 2011. The airport is currently dependent on US Airways, which is its lone carrier to date.
Florence Airport Director Eddie Gunn said that it is unclear how the merger will impact Florence Regional. He hopes that it could mean more flights in and out of the airport. He added that it give travelers more options out of Florence, especially those who want to connect with the former American Airlines routes.
Gunn said that Charlotte will become a vital hub for the airline since most of its flights at present go through Charlotte. This opens up a lot of opportunity for the airport. Gunn said that when Delta left, the airport got around one percent increase in travelers in the previous year. The number of travelers went up about 70,000.
He said that there are several ongoing projects to improve the airport and these can attract any airline that wants to fill the void left by Delta. Gunn said that the impact of the merger by US Airways and American Airlines is still unclear. He added that he is confident that opportunities will come to Florence Regional from the carrier it relies on for its sole transportation.
