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Executive Reorganization at America West


America West Airlines (NYSE: AWA) today announced that Joseph Beery has been promoted to senior vice president and chief information officer, Larry Massaro has been elected vice president, airport customer service and field stations, and David Seymour has been elected vice president, operations control and planning. Additionally, Stephen Johnson, executive vice president - corporate, has announced his resignation from America West.

Beery joined America West in 1999 as senior director of business technology delivery. Prior to joining America West, he held various management positions with Motorola from 1989 to 1999. Beery was promoted to vice president and chief information officer in 2001.


Massaro joined America West in 1996 as manager of ground operations. Most recently, he was senior director of airport customer service for the airline`s Columbus hub and eastern region. Prior to joining America West, Massaro spent 10 years with American Airlines in various airport management roles. He fills a vacant position.


Seymour joined America West in 1999 as director of materials and was later promoted to senior director of materials and planning. Prior to joining America West, Seymour held various management positions at Corporate Express Delivery Systems and McMaster-Carr Supply Company. He replaces John Wilson, who recently was named vice president, financial planning and analysis.


“Joe, Larry and David have exhibited exceptional leadership qualities throughout their tenure with America West and deserve much of the credit for the airline`s operational turnaround,” said Douglas Parker, chairman and chief executive officer. “It is a pleasure to see them take on increased responsibility.”

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As part of an effort to streamline the senior executive organization, Jeffrey McClelland, executive vice president, operations, will assume the additional title of chief operating officer, and Stephen Johnson, executive vice president - corporate, will leave the company effective Dec. 31, 2002. Johnson currently oversees the company`s Corporate Group with responsibility for legal affairs, corporate affairs, corporate communications, human resources, labor relations and real estate. The company does not intend to replace Johnson, and those functions will report directly to Parker, with the exception of labor relations, which will report to McClelland.


“Steve has been instrumental to the success of America West on so many fronts over the past eight years, and he will be missed,” said Parker. “Without his leadership and vision, America West would not be the company it is today. Most recently, his extraordinary efforts during our successful loan guarantee application process ensured America West`s long-term viability. As a close friend and a colleague, I am saddened to see him go, but I fully support his decision to pursue other opportunities. We thank Steve for his tremendous contributions and wish him all the best.”


“My eight years with America West have been an extraordinary and wonderful experience,” said Johnson. “I am enormously proud of our accomplishments during that period and optimistic about the company`s future prospects. I will leave America West with a heavy heart, but at a time when I am certain that my responsibilities are left in the very capable hands of a terrific set of leaders in our Corporate Group.”


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