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US Airways Now Joined With America West

Posted on: Thursday, 29 September 2005, 18:00 CDT

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) - US Airways and America West completed their union yesterday, combining to form the nation's fifth-largest domestic carrier.

"Today we start a new chapter in aviation history," Doug Parker, chief executive officer of the newly combined company, said in a news release.

Although the airlines can now operate as one carrier, they said passengers should continue to book directly with each airline, as they did before the deal closed.

The airlines are still operating separate Web sites and still have two reservation systems. Flight crews, maintenance and safety procedures for each will also remain separate for some time.

The goal of the deal was to form a stronger airline that would compete better with lower-cost rivals such as Southwest Airlines Inc. and JetBlue Airways Corp.

Arlington, Va.-based US Airways has a strong presence on the East Coast and in the Caribbean. America West, based in Tempe, operates across the West from hubs in Phoenix and Las Vegas.

Even though America West is considered the financially stronger company, the US Airways name will survive.

US Airways received final approval on Sept. 16 to exit bankruptcy protection for the second time in three years, paving the way for it to be purchased by America West.

The new US Airways Group Inc. began trading yesterday on the New York Stock Exchange. The company's shares closed at $19.30.

Source: Providence Journal

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