America West Airlines (NYSE: AWA) today reported traffic statistics for the month of October and year-to-date 2002. Revenue passenger miles (RPMs) for October 2002 were a record 1.8 billion, an increase of 27.4 percent from October 2001. Capacity for October 2002 was a record 2.4 billion available seat miles (ASMs), up 17.8 percent from October 2001. The passenger load factor for the month of October was a record 73.8 percent versus 68.2 in October 2001.

Year-to-date load factor was a record 73.8 percent, up 1.4 points from 2001. Year-to-date RPMs were a record 16.6 billion, a 0.9 percent increase from 2001. Available seat miles decreased 0.9 percent for the current year to 22.5 billion.

The October 2001 results were significantly impacted by the events of Sept. 11, 2001, and a subsequent reduction in America West capacity due to reduced demand. Compared to October 2000, RPMs increased 12.5 percent, ASMs increased 3.6 percent and load factor increased 5.9 points from 67.9 percent to 73.8 percent.

“Our industry-leading load factors and our record October traffic are a result of tremendous customer response to our business friendly fare structure,” said Scott Kirby, executive vice president, marketing and sales.

America West Airlines is the nation`s largest low-fare, hub-and-spoke airline. Founded in 1983, it is the only carrier formed since deregulation to achieve major airline status. Today, America West is the nation`s eighth- largest carrier and serves 92 destinations in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. America West is a wholly owned subsidiary of America West Holdings Corporation, an aviation and travel services company with 2001 sales of $2.1 billion.

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