Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) will welcome Eastern Airlines as its newest air service partner on December 18. The Wayne, Pa.-based carrier will offer nonstop service between Philadelphia and Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

“Having Eastern as one of our partners supports a local company and helps connect underserved markets to the Greater Philadelphia region,” said PHL CEO Chellie Cameron. “So much of travel right now is Visiting Friends and Relatives [VFR]. Yet many Philadelphia-area residents have been unable to make direct connections to visit loved ones from their home airport. By offering destinations like Santo Domingo from Philadelphia, Eastern is making travel more accessible to so many of our neighbors when they are ready to travel.”

Eastern will launch its PHL service with nonstop flights twice per week to Santo Domingo (SDQ). The airline will use Boeing 767 aircraft, which also allows Eastern to carry cargo. Eastern offers passengers the highest baggage allowance at PHL—up to six checked bags (first two checked bags, up to 70lbs/32kg, are free). Information about the new airline, destinations, baggage policy and service can be found at goeasternair.com.

“We are excited to launch service at our hometown airport, and to offer more non-stop options to the Philadelphia community.  With an all-widebody fleet, Eastern is able to carry more of what our customers want to bring on their journeys," said Eastern's CEO Steve Harfst. "Additionally, we are confident that our warm, friendly service will earn this city’s affection and help us to invest here long-term.  Philly, pack your bags – we’ll carry them!”