America West Airlines (NYSE: AWA) announced today that it is expanding its international presence by initiating service to a new country—Costa Rica. On Dec. 1, 2003, subject to government approval, America West will add daily, nonstop roundtrip service between Phoenix and San Jose, Costa Rica in Central America. Customers in Phoenix and 44 other connecting cities in the western U.S. can take full advantage of everything this beautiful tourist destination has to offer including the warm beaches of Guanacaste, horseback riding through Monteverde Cloud Forest to the Arenal Volcano, surfing off the Pacific Coast and white water rafting down the turbulent Reventazon River.

“America West is pleased to offer customers this luxurious tropical destination that offers the best of Costa Rica`s Atlantic and Pacific coasts,” said Doug Parker, chairman and chief executive officer. “For both the adventurous outdoors type and those seeking luxurious seclusion, America West Vacations is creating some unbeatable vacation package deals that include excursions throughout Costa Rica.”

America West will utilize its modern Airbus A319 aircraft featuring seating for 12 in first class and 112 in the main cabin. For more information or to make a reservation, customers may contact America West at 1-800-2-FLY-AWA (1-800-235-9292), log on to www.americawest.com or contact a professional travel agent. Customers can contact America West Vacations at 1-866-225-5298.

San Jose, Costa Rica is America West`s fifth new destination this year. The airline added service in Memphis, Tenn., in April and Cancun, Mexico in June. The airline will add service to Edmonton, Alberta, Canada and Monterrey, Mexico in October 2003.

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.

 

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