(Washington, DC) - U.S. Congressman Jason Altmire (PA-4) released the following statement in response to the announcement today by US Airways that it will cut the number of daily flights and close its flight crew base out of Pittsburgh International Airport:

"Today's announcement by U.S. Airways to cut the number of its daily flights at Pittsburgh International Airport by 30% and to close its flight crew base out of Pittsburgh is unfortunate.  I am concerned about the nearly 1,000 employees and their families who will be impacted by this decision.  I hope that U.S. Airways' promise to ensure that they will not lose their jobs is not an empty one.  The success of Pittsburgh International Airport is critical to the future of western Pennsylvania's economy, and I remain committed to working with airport officials, as well as state and local stakeholders, to ensure affordable air travel is available to residents of western Pennsylvania."