United to Move Into USAir’s Terminal at Burbank

United Airlines will take over the 19,500-square-foot USAir terminal at Burbank Airport next month when USAir ceases operations at the facility, officials said Wednesday.

Spokesmen for United Airlines said the move was needed for the airline’s expanded operations at the airport, which will include the addition of six daily flights for a total of 21 daily flights out of Burbank.

“We need the space because of all the additional flights we’ll be handling,” said Joe Hopkins, media relations manager for United. The six additional flights will go to San Francisco, he said. United already has flights to San Francisco, Denver and Oakland.

USAir, the airport’s largest carrier, will pull out of Burbank on May 1. The airline canceled flights at Burbank and five other airports in an effort to stem losses from higher fuel costs and increased competition from discount fares.

USAir’s departure from Burbank leaves the airport with 68 daily flights, 12 fewer than with the USAir flights, even though United and American airlines are adding flights, said Victor Gill, Burbank Airport spokesman.

USAir had accounted for 1.2 million of the airport’s 3.5 million passengers each year.

Southwest Airlines had also requested to take over the terminal, which is located south of the airport’s main terminal. However airport management selected United because the airline needs more room for its larger jet and commuter operation.

The timing of the switch had not yet been determined. “There will not be a complete United Airlines operation at that terminal on May 2,” Gill said.

Minor renovation work will have to be done in the terminal building and the runway before the takeover is complete, he said.

In addition, lease terms are still being negotiated, Gill said.