Another Tech Connection

Pittsburgh’s technology community will have another direct connection to Research Triangle Park with the addition of new nonstop, daily service to Raleigh-Durham from Pittsburgh International Airport on Delta Air Lines.

The flight will complement existing service on American Airlines, which operates year-round, daily flights from Pittsburgh to Raleigh-Durham International (RDU).

Home to major tech companies, including IBM, Lenovo, and Cisco, that lease office space on the 7,000-acre parcel, “The Triangle” is the largest research park in the country. Research Triangle Park is located less than 10 miles from Raleigh-Durham International and only four miles from downtown Durham, and is also known for its proximity to major universities Duke, NC State, and the University of North Carolina.

For Pittsburgh’s burgeoning tech industry, the nonstop flights provide a critical link, according to Jonathan Kersting, Vice President of Communications and Media for the Pittsburgh Technology Council.

“Adding yet another connection to one of the world’s top innovation centers further strengthens Pittsburgh’s technology ecosystem,” said Kersting. “Our industry requires connections that make travel to other technology hubs seamless, simple and timely.”

Along with providing direct access to the research park, the flight will be beneficial for Pittsburgh-based companies that have subsidiary headquarters in the Raleigh-Durham area, including American Eagle, K&L Gates, GNC, and WESCO International, among several others.

The existing American Airlines service offers an evening departure from Pittsburgh International with the flight arriving at RDU at approximately 7:30 p.m. The Delta flight will offer an additional option for passengers through a 9:32 a.m. departure from PIT, with the flight operating on a 76-seat CRJ-900 regional jet.

Currently, an average of 100 passengers are flying between Pittsburgh and Raleigh per day each way. As a result of expanded service, those numbers are expected to grow, according to Bryan Dietz, vice president, air service development.

“We are confident in this route due to the variety of tech, university, and business connections between Pittsburgh and Raleigh,” Dietz said. “We are looking forward to working with Delta to help make this route a success.”

The nonstop, daily service is scheduled to begin June 8. The regional jet features an all aisle-and-window seating configuration with a 12-seat capacity in first class, 20 seats in Delta Comfort+, and 44 in the main cabin. Tickets can be purchased on the Delta website.