PHOENIX, Aug. 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/—America West Airlines (NYSE: AWA) announced today that it will become the first and only low-fare carrier to operate nonstop transcontinental service between New York/JFK and Boston Logan International Airport on the East Coast and Los Angeles International Airport and San Francisco International Airport on the West Coast. The new flights between Los Angeles and Boston and JFK will begin Oct. 26, flights between JFK and San Francisco will begin Dec. 19 and flights between Boston and San Francisco will begin March 1, 2004.

“This new strategic opportunity will bring convenient low-fare service to the last major nonstop routes dominated by high-cost carriers,” said Doug Parker, chairman and chief executive officer. “America West is adding these point-to-point flights because of growing customer demand for quality air service at an affordable price between the most desirable airports. This service will provide an unmatched combination of service, value and convenience to a large and important segment of the flying public.”

America West`s last-minute business fares start as low as $299 each way. Other airlines charge more than $900 for the same JFK flights and more than $1,200 for the same Boston service. “Our everyday low prices give customers the ability to fly three or four trips on America West for the price of one trip on the competition,” said Scott Kirby, executive vice president, sales and marketing. “Now those business travelers can fly between the right airports at the right price.”

In addition to enjoying America West`s business-friendly fares, customers will also appreciate the airline`s flexible ticketing policies including no Saturday night stay requirements, the ability to fly standby on the same day as their originally scheduled flight without an additional fee, and the option to use a nonrefundable ticket within a year of the date of purchase.

America West offers many other benefits that are particularly important for business travelers including first-class seating and an award-winning frequent flyer program. FlightFund features unlimited, space-available first class upgrades, mileage bonuses, preferred seating, priority check-in and early boarding.

“Business travelers can also depend on our outstanding operational performance to get them to their destinations—and their business meetings—on time,” added Parker. According to the latest U.S. Department of Transportation operating statistics, America West ranks in the top three major airlines in all industry measurements including on-time performance, completion factor, mishandled baggage and customer complaints.

America West will utilize modern Airbus A319 aircraft, featuring 12 first class and 112 main cabin seats as well as inflight audio and video entertainment on these nonstop transcontinental flights.
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