US AIRWAYS will start its transatlantic service between Manchester and the Philadelphia hub on March 4.

It will feature the 266-seat Airbus A330-300 widebody aircraft -- the largest in the airline's fleet.

The Pittsburgh-London (Gatwick) flight will be launched on March 24.

The A330 is the only aircraft operated by a US carrier with an audio and video on demand entertainment system at every seat. Every passenger also has a laptop computer power supply and phone.

"Customers have responded enthusiastically to US Airways' spacious, comfortable and technically-advanced Airbus aircraft. We are proud to call the A330 the flagship of our fleet," said Greg Taylor, the company's senior vice president of planning.

Mr Geoff Muirhead, Manchester Airport's Chief Executive, said: "This aircraft upgrade is a tremendous boost for Manchester's new service.

"It proves the strength of demand from the northern market and the appetite for direct routes from the airport.

"The increase in passenger and cargo capacity will also be well-timed with the opening of our second runway next year."

US Airways' new European Reservations Centre was officially opened in Liverpool last week.

It started operations in September and currently employs almost 100 reservation agents, all recruited from the Liverpool region.

Staff is expected to increase to around 150 by April, 2001.

The centre, in Tithe Barn Street, is equipped to handle reservations, ticketing, flight status enquiries and telmarketing calls within Europe.