US Airways’ systemwide performance for September 2002 broke a decade of company on-time departure and arrival records, and now stands as the best in US Airways’ history. This news comes just a day after the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) listed US Airways as best in the industry in August 2002 for on-time performance and baggage handling.

Last month, flights departing on schedule were at 83.2 percent, a full nine percentage points above the previous record of 74.2 percent set in September 2001. Flights leaving within five minutes of scheduled departure averaged 89.7 percent, well above the 82.8 percent record set in September 1997.

On-time arrivals rose above 90 percent for the first time in company history, with 91.9 percent of all US Airways flights arriving within 14 minutes of schedule - the time frame used by the DOT to establish on-time performance. The official DOT on-time performance was 90.9 percent (this figure excludes international and most Caribbean flights). The previous records of 88.6 percent and 89.1 percent, respectively, had been set in May 1993.

“All of our employees have joined together to run the most flawless operation in US Airways’ history,” said Alan W. Crellin, US Airways executive vice president of operations. “At a time when our company and the entire industry are facing extraordinary challenges, performance like last month’s is a testament to the cooperation and professionalism of every member of the US Airways team. On-time performance shows dedication to our customers, as well as to our cost-saving efforts.”

In yesterday’s DOT monthly scorecard report for August, US Airways` arrivals were at 85.9 percent - the best of the 10 carriers surveyed. In the fewest mishandled bags category, there were just 2.81 reports per 1,000 passengers - also the best results for the industry.

US Airways, the US Airways Express carriers and US Airways Shuttle provide service to 203 destinations worldwide, including 38 states in the U.S., Antigua, Aruba, Barbados, Bermuda, Cancun, Cozumel, Grand Bahama Island, Grand Cayman, Montego Bay, Nassau, San Juan, Santo Domingo, St. Lucia, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, and St. Croix. US Airways Express also serves North Eleuthera, Governors Harbour, Marsh Harbour and Treasure Cay from Florida. In Canada, US Airways serves Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa. US Airways’ European destinations are Amsterdam, Frankfurt, London, Madrid, Manchester, Munich, Paris and Rome.

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