PHOENIX, March 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/—America West (NYSE: AWA), the nation`s second largest low-fare airline, today announced it will be adding new service from its hubs in Phoenix and Las Vegas to two destinations in the Pacific Northwest and western Canada. On June 1, 2003, America West will begin a second daily, nonstop flight to Calgary, Alberta, Canada, from its Phoenix hub, pending government approval. On June 18, a third daily, nonstop flight between Phoenix and Spokane, Wash., will be added. Also, beginning June 18, the airline will introduce new daily, nonstop service between Las Vegas and Spokane.

“We are pleased to be expanding our service,” said Dion Flannery, vice president, scheduling and route planning. “Customers now have more options to take advantage of our flexible and affordable business-friendly fares.”

The additional flight between Phoenix and Calgary will be provided by America West Express, which is operated by subsidiary airlines of Mesa Air Group, utilizing the 50-seat Canadair Regional Jet (CRJ) aircraft. Initial service between Phoenix and Calgary began Oct. 27, 2002. The new flight between Las Vegas and Spokane, as well as the additional flight between Phoenix and Spokane, will also be provided by America West Express and will utilize the CRJ-700 aircraft featuring six first class and 58 main cabin seats.

   

America West offers the value of flexibility and affordability with its business-friendly fare structure including business fares that are 40 to 70 percent lower than most major airlines, reasonable advance-purchase requirements, no requirements for a Saturday-night stay and allowing customers the flexibility to change their plans or fly standby for free.

For more information or to make a reservation contact your professional travel agent or America West at 1-800-2-FLY-AWA (1-800-235-9292). Reservation and information services are also available at the airline`s Web site, www.americawest.com . Customers will receive 500 FlightFund bonus miles when they book any ticket at www.americawest.com . Customers can sign up for FlightFund, the airline`s worldwide frequent flyer program, online at www.americawest.com or by calling the FlightFund Service Center at 1-800-247-5691.

Mesa currently operates 124 aircraft with 889 daily system departures to 147 cities, 37 states, Canada, Mexico and the Bahamas. It operates in the West and Midwest as America West Express, and provides regional airline service for other airlines in the U.S. The company, which was founded in New Mexico in 1982, has approximately 3,000 employees. Mesa is a member of Regional Aviation Partners.

Founded in 1983 and proudly celebrating its 20-year anniversary in 2003, America West Airlines is the nation`s second largest low-fare airline and the only carrier formed since deregulation to achieve major airline status. Today, America West serves 92 destinations in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

——-