DOT Awards US Airways First Non-Stop Roundtrip From Reagan National to Akron-Canton

Service to begin in January 2009

GREEN, Ohio , Nov. 26 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The U.S. Department of Transportation announced late yesterday afternoon that it was granting US Airways two slots to fly from Washington, D.C.'s Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) to Akron-Canton Airport (CAK) allowing for one daily non-stop roundtrip. After seeking service to DCA for more than a decade, airport officials consider this a big win for the airport and the region because landing rights at the very desirable close-in Reagan National Airport are restricted by the US government and highly coveted by all communities. The service will begin in January 2009 and US Airways will fly a 50-seat CRJ-200 aircraft on the route.

"This is a historic day for the Akron-Canton Airport and the region as we were in desperate need of an easier way to get to Washington, D.C. ," said Rick McQueen , President & CEO. "We are so grateful to the U.S. Department of Transportation for once again bringing vital air service to our community by awarding these slots to US Airways. We are also grateful for the overwhelming support we received from our community. This announcement wouldn't have been possible without the help of our U.S. Congressional delegation, including U.S. state senators and four congresspersons, thirteen chambers of commerce, the state auditor, hundreds of petition signatures, more than thirty corporations, and seventeen community leaders amongst many others. This is an amazing day."

"We're pleased to announce another non-stop option for business travelers to access Washington, D.C. ," said Jason Reisinger , director, route planning for US Airways. "We would like to thank the congressional delegation and the local community, especially the Akron-Canton Airport, for their hard work and support in this effort."

"Helping the businesses and residents of our community reach Washington D.C. is a rewarding way to end my career in Congress," said U.S. Representative Ralph Regula . "I am grateful to the U.S. Department of Transportation and US Airways for making this vital linkage a reality."

" Washington, D.C. is an extremely important destination for the Northeastern Ohio region and the community deserves our gratitude for their support," said Congressman Tim Ryan . "I am thrilled that the Department of Transportation realizes the value this will have for both tourism and economic development."

The slots were originally made available under the guidelines of AIR-21/ vision 100, a comprehensive air transportation bill passed in 2000.

US Airways has a long history (more than 40 years) with the airport. Akron - Canton travelers will benefit with the non-stop route to Washington, D.C. and be able to take advantage of the excellent connection opportunities offered by US Airways at DCA. From Akron-Canton Airport, the carrier currently offers five nonstop flights to their hub in Charlotte, North Carolina and two daily flights to their hub in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania . DCA will be the third non-stop destination once the service commences in January.

About Akron-Canton Airport

Akron-Canton Airport kicked off CAK 2018, its 10-year, $110-million Capital Improvement Plan in March of this year. The plan is the most ambitious in the airport's 62-year history and includes a 600 ft. runway extension allowing full-sized jets to reach the west coast, Caribbean and Mexico . Other projects include a Customs and Border Patrol Facility, extended upper level concourse and the construction of Port Green , an industrial park that could bring more than 1,000 high paying jobs to northeast Ohio . Photos of the airport are available at www.flickr.com/akroncantonairport; and Facebook members are warmly invited to join the Akron-Canton Airport group at www.Facebook.com by searching for Akron-Canton Airport. Additional information including flight reservations, driving instructions, and relaxation station is available at www.akroncantonairport.com, CAK's comprehensive web portal. Akron-Canton Airport a better way to go(R).