The Fives: Launching RDU-LAX Non-Stop Daily Service

On April 2, the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority and Regional Transportation Alliance along with American Airlines celebrated the launch of non-stop daily service from RDU to Los Angeles International Airport.  Here are five views from the events as well as a look at American's new paint scheme. 

Against the backdrop of a cloudless Carolina-blue sky, an American Airlines's Boeing 737-800 rests at Gate C-22 ready to board for the first American non-stop daily Los Angeles flight. This is one of the first times that we've seen the airline's new livery, or paint scheme, on the ground here at RDU. Aircraft flying the route will feature Wi-Fi and Boeing's new sky interior. 

Shortly before boarding, Airport Authority officials along with American Airlines executives and the flight crew cut the ribbon on the first RDU-L.A. non-stop flights. Right before the ribbon was cut, they invited a young passenger to join them. Afterwards, the airline provided sweet treats for the passengers.

After the gate event, American Airlines, the Airport Authority and Regional Transportation Alliance hosted an event for local elected officials, corporate travel planners and members of economic development community in the terminal's ticketing lobby. Here, American Airlines executives toast the success of their first RDU-LAX non-stop flight.

Russell Stanley on our Fire Rescue team captured this great photo of the water arch for the  first American RDU-L.A. flight from a nearby taxiway.

The flight provides the first daily non-stop service to the Los Angeles area from RDU and connects RDU with each of American's hubs: Miami, New York-John F. Kennedy, Chicago, Los Angeles and London-Heathrow. 

On a perfect afternoon for flying, the flight taxis down the runway headed for Los Angeles. The trip takes about five hours and with the time difference, there's time to catch dinner and enjoy the city's nightlife after landing. The return flight departs in the morning and arrives around 4:45 p.m. each day.

Want to see more photos? Check out our Facebook album of the event!