WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King today applauded news that American Airlines, which is currently merging with US Airways, will continue to provide direct service to Washington, D.C. from Portland International Jetport and Bangor International Airport at the conclusion of its merger. Senator King was an early and vocal supporter of continued air service between Washington, D.C. and Maine. 

“I am pleased these important flights from Maine to our nation’s capital are secure. Not only do these flights help connect people to destinations across the country, but they also support businesses and bring new enterprise to Maine by ferrying visitors who shop in our stores, stay in our hotels, and dine in our restaurants,” Senator King said. “From the moment I heard the flights were potentially at risk, I urged the leaders of the new American Airlines to consider the effect that eliminating service would have on the communities – Bangor and Portland chief among them, and I am glad American Airlines took these concerns into account in deciding to maintain its Maine-to-Washington flights.”

Soon after American Airlines and US Airways announced their intent to merge, Senator King wrote a letter to the Secretary of Transportation and the Attorney General emphasizing the importance of a robust Maine-Washington air connection.

Last November, he underscored that point again in a joint letter with Senator Collins to the heads of American Airlines and US Airways, highlighting the significance of “maintaining direct access between small- and medium-sized communities and our nation's capital.” 

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