US Airways Expands Central and South America for Customers Through TACA Codeshare Agreement

(BUSINESS WIRE)--With recent approval from the U.S. Department of Transportation, US Airways (NYSE: LCC) customers will be able to enjoy expanded travel between the United States and destinations in Central and South America, thanks to a new codeshare agreement between TACA Airlines and US Airways beginning Jan. 12, 2010. Flying will be open for sale beginning Dec. 5 at usairways.com and through global distribution channels.

The codeshare agreement will complement existing US Airways flying to Mexico, Costa Rica, Belize and beginning Dec. 15—Rio de Janeiro, Brazil—from its Charlotte, N.C., hub.

With this new agreement, US Airways customers traveling from the United States to Latin America will be able to connect on flights operated by TACA Airlines. Through TACA’s hubs in San Salvador, El Salvador; San Jose, Costa Rica; and Lima, Peru, US Airways customers can travel on a single ticket to those countries, as well as Guatemala, Belize, Honduras and Nicaragua.

Conversely, TACA customers gain greater access to US Airways' markets in the United States and beyond through connecting opportunities in Charlotte.

US Airways Senior Vice President Marketing and Planning Andrew Nocella said, “Our codeshare offerings continue to expand for our customers in 2010, which means more destinations in more countries. Customers can book these flights directly from US Airways and enjoy convenient ticketing and baggage connectivity just as they would on a US Airways-operated flight.”

“Through this agreement we can deliver an improved travel experience for TACA and US Airways passengers,” said TACA Corporate Development Vice President Alex Benitez. “Opportunities like these are driven by our concern for our customers’ needs and ultimately contribute to ensure high levels of customer satisfaction, one of our main business goals.”

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Happy 50th Birthday, Alaska!

/PRNewswire/ -- When Alaskans found out the United States Senate passed the Statehood Act in June of 1958, sirens blared and crowds celebrated around bonfires.

It was a spontaneous party that kicked off six months of anticipation ahead of President Dwight D. Eisenhower's signature on the statehood proclamation on Jan. 3, 1959. Fast-forward 50 years, and Alaska is preparing to mark the official anniversary with just as much fervor.

With anniversary-related events scheduled throughout the year, 2009 makes a great year to travel to Alaska. Many tourism businesses are offering special anniversary deals that will reduce costs on experiences statewide.

The Statehood Gala at the Dena'ina Civic and Convention Center will lead off the celebrations on Jan. 2, in Anchorage, with remarks from the state's political dignitaries and statewide musical and performance groups. The next day, a birthday bash will take over downtown Anchorage, led by a procession of Alaska's diverse people. The event will continue with a stage performance, musical and cultural acts and a fireworks show.

Also on Jan. 3, the Valdez Family Fest will include dog sledding, snow sculpting, a Wii tournament, an indoor carnival, fireworks and, of course, birthday cake. The events will take place in and around the Valdez Convention and Civic Center.

"If travelers are looking for a different kind of New Year's party to attend, this is it," said Ron Peck, president and COO of the Alaska Travel Industry Association. "We're celebrating our history, our successes and our growth as a state. It's going to be a tremendous day for Alaska, and an even bigger year."

Many Alaskans can think back over the past 50 years and marvel at how the state has changed. But even as the state grows up, it will only take a scan of the crowd on Jan. 3, to realize Alaska's pioneering spirit is still alive.

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