This summer, British Airways resumed its nonstop service between Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) and London Heathrow Airport. This route represents a series of global statements made at the Pennsylvanian facility. With long-haul opportunities on the agenda, Simple Flying spoke with Bryan Dietz, Senior Vice President of Air Service and Commercial Development, Pittsburgh International Airport, about the recent developments.

Landmark moments

British Airways’ Boeing 787 service return was a milestone for Pittsburgh. Reconnecting with London and Europe shows how far operations have since the rise of the pandemic. Recovery is fully underway for both leisure and business market segments.

Pittsburgh International expresses that the fact that British Airways returned shows the carrier has faith in the robust leisure and business climate in the region. This area has continued to step up in supporting the battle against industry challenges.

Corporate travel planners and vacationers helped make the route a success in 2019, and PIT understands they are doing the same this year with the London relaunch. Demand this summer has been impressive, and the airport’s economic impact study showed that the four-weekly flights to London generate $50 million annually for the regional economy.

PIT is excited to see continued strength in the leisure travel segment and the return of business passengers. Helping this recovery, the CDC no longer requires a negative COVID-19 test for entry into the United States, a requirement that long hindered the industry. All in all, recent changes have helped the likes of British Airways and Air Canada as they allow for a smoother travel experience.

Standout figures

The airport’s leadership highlights that year-over-year passenger traffic was up nearly 18% in June 2022 when compared to June 2021. Additionally, June passenger traffic was at 82% of pre-pandemic levels. Year-to-date, total passenger traffic increased nearly 58%, a rise of over 1.3 million passengers. Importantly, year-to-date traffic has been at 81% of 2019 levels.

Altogether, PIT is experiencing high load factors on flights, even more so recently as airlines cut back capacity across the country due to crew shortages.

Regardless of the ever-changing challenges, international traffic remains integral to Pittsburgh’s ecosystem. Transatlantic operations are a core part of this factor.

PIT SVP Dietz told Simple Flying the following about the opportunities with international services:

“It’s tremendously important. It’s our connection to the world. Air service development translates to economic development – and that’s an important focus of what we do – maximizing the airport and its assets to help continue the transformation of the Pittsburgh region. International service is a huge part of that equation. Pittsburgh is home to many corporations that need international connectivity and as Pittsburgh’s profile increases, international connectivity is imperative. While we see some connecting traffic at PIT, we see most people connecting in London throughout Europe and India and vice versa. International demand has returned strongly from PIT.”

Market optimization

Just last week, PIT was awarded a $3.26 million grant from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to support its cargo expansion. Notably, the funds will help enhance the airport's Taxiway A, which will be utilized to access the Cargo 4 project, set to open in 2024. The 77,000-square-foot facility will hold a warehouse, office space, and 17 loading docks, significantly expanding cargo capacity. In practice, the move will help PIT to accept goods from abroad and distribute them across the East Coast, further boosting international prospects.

Initiatives such as this combine with the growing global airline activity and the airport's environmental awareness to catalyze Western Pennsylvania's mission to become a leading gateway for international aviation. It won’t be a surprise to hear of further breakthroughs this decade.

What are your thoughts about Pittsburgh International Airport’s international operations? What do you make of the overall services at the site? Let us know what you think in the comment section.