America West (NYSE: AWA) has teamed up
with Columbus, Ohio`s new National Hockey League franchise for a winning
partnership.  The airline, which operates a hub in Columbus, and the Columbus
Blue Jackets announced today a three-year marketing agreement that allows
America West exclusive rights as the Blue Jackets` official airline partner.
 
“We are proud of our new partnership with the Columbus Blue Jackets,” said
Mike Smith, America West`s senior vice president, marketing and sales.
“America West`s professional sports sponsorships have been an important part
of our community involvement and marketing strategy.”
 
As part of the sponsorship, America West will be the exclusive airline for
in-arena advertising and promotions at the new Nationwide Arena in downtown
Columbus.  During all home games, America West will launch “Skyler,” an indoor
airship that will circle the Arena airspace dropping leaflets along its route
awarding prizing to fans.
 
To celebrate the new partnership, America West, in conjunction with the
Blue Jackets, will run in-arena and web site promotions throughout the season.
 
“The Blue Jackets are pleased to add America West Airlines to our family
of First Line Partners,” said Michael Humes, vice president of business
development and broadcasting of the Blue Jackets.  “We look forward to
cultivating our partnership with an established leader in both the Columbus
and national marketplace.”

America West Airlines joins several other companies who enjoy fully
integrated partner programs with the Blue Jackets as First Line Partners
including Columbia Gas, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Dispatch Media Group, Dominion
Homes, Donatos Pizza, Fox Sports Net, Nextel Communications, Rite Rug, Stanley
Steemer, Ticketmaster, Time Warner Communications, Verizon and WWCD101.
 
America West Airlines, the nation`s ninth largest carrier, serves
89 destinations with more than 860 daily departures in the U.S., Canada and
Mexico.  Along with its codeshare partners, America West serves more than
100 destinations worldwide.  America West Airlines is a wholly owned
subsidiary of America West Holdings Corporation, an aviation and travel
services company with 1999 sales of $2.2 billion.

This press release, as well as releases issued in the past year by America
West Holdings and its affiliates, can be accessed on the America West Internet
site at http://www.americawest.com.

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