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U,s. Deportment of Tronsportatlon Office 01 the Secretary 01Transportation Assistant Seerelary 

## AUG 20 2013
. '200 NewJersey Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20590



### Mr. Robert C. Wonderling Chairman &CEO Council for Growth 200 South Broad Street, Suite 700 Philadelphia, PA 19102 Dear Mr. Wonderling: 

## 1)

Thank you foryour letter ofJuly 2, urging the Department to amend its tentative decision inthe 2013/2014 U.S.-Brazil Combination Frequency Proceeding, and to grant US Airways' request to begin nonstop service from Philadclphia International Airport to SiloPaulo, Brazil. OnJuly 3,2013, after carefully considering the complete record developed for the proceeding, including formal pleadings submitted by the various aircarriers and civic pat1ies, the Department finalized its tentative decision. You may view the Department's decision and all other publicly available documents filed in the doCketby accessing the Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) at www.rcgulations.govandsearchingforDocketDOT-OST-2013-0072.Asis our standard practice, Iam placing acopy ofyour letter and my response in Docket DOT-OST-2013- 0072, as acontact outside the record ofthis case. Iappreciate your interest inthis matter. Sincerely yours,

Susan L. Kurland Assistanl Secretary for Aviation and International Affairs

# , CEO COUNCIL

fOR GROWTH. July 2,.2013 

## zooSouth Broad Street Suite 100.Philadelphia, PA19102'38961' 215.190.3117I'Zi5.790.3120 

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The Honorable Susan L. Kurland Assistant Secretary for Aviation and International Affairs Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE,Washington, DC20590-9898 Re: Docket DOT-OST-2013-QOn, Order 2013.6-16 Dear Assistant Secretary Kurland: On behalf of the members of the CEOCouncil for Growth, I am writing to urge the Department to amend Its Tentative Decision and grant USAirways' request to initiate da"jfy,nonstop flights ftom Philadelphia to Sao Paulo. USAirways' request is in the public interest and would have a positive economic impact on the Greater Philadelphia region: Asyou know, Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is LiSAirways' second largest national hub. USAirways' presence at PHLis a major contributor toour region's economy, helping to facilitate business and leisure travel in the United States and abroad. Granting USAirways a route from PHLto Sao Paulo would be particularly beneficial to our region given the sizable and growing population of Brazilian-Americans and Brazilian immigrants In Philadelphia who travel to Sao Paulo and because of the desirability of Philadelphia asa location for Brazilian-based corporations doing busineSSin the United States, For example, Braskem, a Brazilian global chemical manufacturer, directs its U.S. operations from its headquarters in Philadelphia. In addition to.our region's growing connection to Brazil, we would request that you more strongly consider the broader community interest when making your determination on routes both now and in the future. Aswas previously noted, Philadelphia isthe only hub city without non'stop service to Brazil and as the 4th largest media market in the United States and heart of the 5th largest economy In the world, Greater Philadelphia is significantly disadvantaged by lack of adirect route. Many of our region's academic institutions, health care systems, l!nd corporations are seeking to establish ties to open markets in Soutn America and ttle lack of direct access impedes these efforts. The PHLto Sao Paulo route would also provide for more competition In

## tne ml!rketpll!ce andl!n l!dditlonl!' option for travelers witnout undermining the viability of other flights to Sl!OPl!ulo from other U.S. cities offered by USAirwl!Ys' competitors. We do not believe thl!t grl!nting USAirways' request would undermine service from LosAngeles, Detroit, or l!nyother city; rl!ther, it would complement these routes l!nd provide more options for travelers. Given the positive Impl!ct It would nave on our region l!nd the U.s. l!lrline ml!rket, we strongly urge' the Department to reconsider its Tentative Decision l!nd l!pprove USAlrwl!ys' request to offer nonstop service from PHLto Sao Paulo.

Ro ert C.Wondeiilng Chalrml!n, CEO'Councii for Growth



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