US Airways Express carrier PSA Airlines Inc. will begin its transition to an all-regional jet fleet when it launches service in December using new 50-seat Canadair CRJ-200 aircraft.

Flights linking PSA’s base at Dayton, Ohio, with Washington’s Ronald Reagan National Airport and New York’s LaGuardia Airport will be among the carrier’s initial routes served with the CRJ-200, replacing existing 32-seat Dornier 328 turboprop aircraft.

Also beginning in December, PSA will introduce the CRJ-200 on its routes between Dayton and two of US Airways’ major hubs—Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Connecting service through Philadelphia will operate to Ottawa, Canada, and Richmond, Va.; and through Pittsburgh to Wilkes Barre/Scranton, Pa.

The CRJ-200 will be phased into service on additional PSA routes based on the delivery schedule of new aircraft. PSA will take delivery of 60 CRJ-200s, manufactured by Bombardier Aerospace of Canada, as part of US Airways regional jet order announced in May 2003.

PSA’s first two CRJ-200s are scheduled to arrive later this month and will undergo statutory proving flights and training requirements before entering service in December. Another two aircraft are scheduled to arrive in November, and deliveries will continue at the rate of approximately three aircraft per month until spring 2005. PSA’s existing fleet of 30 Dornier 328s will be phased out of service with deliveries of the CRJ-200s.

“The launch of CRJ-200 service in December will mark a new beginning for our company as we continue to implement our business recovery plan,” said USÊAirways Express President Bruce Ashby.

“The growth of RJ operations is pivotal to the future of US Airways, enabling us to compete more effectively in those markets we serve, to maximize new route opportunities, and offer our customers heightened levels of comfort and convenience. PSA will undertake a key role in this development.”

The completion of PSA’s CRJ-200 deliveries will double the size of the carrier’s current fleet, while offering a three-fold increase in passenger capacity. Its expansion will create more than 500 new jobs, including pilots, flight attendants and mechanics.

Training programs have already begun for pilots, flight attendants, mechanics and flight dispatchers, and PSA has moved into a new state-of-the-art, 10,000 square feet training facility located adjacent to its head office at Dayton International Airport.

The facility, which utilizes the second floor level of the 156-guest room Dayton Airport Hotel, was constructed by the City of Dayton as part of its $2.8 million refurbishment and remodeling of the property.

“Preparations are well advanced for PSA’s development as an all-RJ carrier, and we are grateful for the enormous support we have received from the City of Dayton and Dayton Airport, ” said PSA’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Richard Pfennig. “PSA is proud to be at the forefront of the company’s strategy to build efficiency and competitive strength, to the benefit of all US Airways employees and our customers.”

PSA, a wholly owned subsidiary of US Airways Group, Inc., currently operates 208 flights daily, serving 31 destinations in the eastern U.S. and Canada. The airline has a total of 1,550 employees.

Reporters needing additional information should contact US Airways Corporate Communications at (703) 872-5100.

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