US Airways Express carrier PSA Airlines Inc. today took delivery of its
first new 50-seat Bombardier CRJ-200 regional jet. The aircraft is
scheduled to enter service on PSA`s route network on Dec. 14, 2003.
Senior US Airways officials attended a special hand-over ceremony today at
Bombardier Aerospace.
“This truly is an historic milestone for US Airways Group as we take
delivery of PSA`s first regional jet, implementing another key element of
the company`s restructuring plan,” said US Airways Express President Bruce
Ashby. “The CRJ-200 is an outstanding airplane with a proven and
successful track record in RJ operations within North America and in
markets all over the world.
“This aircraft will strengthen US Airways` competitive position
significantly, while providing enhanced benefits for PSA`s customers in
terms of cabin comfort and performance.”
“Larger airlines are continuing to turn to their regional partners for
profitable service in many markets, thus continuing the regional airline
revolution that began little more than a decade ago with the pioneering
Bombardier CRJ,” said Steven A. Ridolfi, president of Bombardier Aerospace
Regional Aircraft. “Now, US Airways will realize the benefits of high
performance, low operating costs and the family commonality advantages of
the Bombardier CRJ family.”
PSA`s President and Chief Executive Officer Dick Pfennig said: “PSA today
begins its transition to an all-regional jet airline. I am delighted for
our company, our employees and our customers, and we are especially
grateful for the commitment and support we have received from the City of
Dayton.”
PSA, based at Dayton, Ohio, will take delivery of 60 Bombardier CRJ-200s
as part of US Airways regional jet order announced in May 2003. The first
two will arrive this week and will perform proving flights and undergo
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 328 turboprop aircraft,
with 32 passenger seats, will be phased out of service with deliveries of
the CRJ- 200s.
The completion of PSA`s CRJ-200 deliveries will double the size of the
carrier`s current fleet, and passenger capacity will increase three-fold.
Its expansion will create more than 500 new jobs, including pilots, flight
attendants and mechanics.

PSA will initially launch the CRJ-200 on its routes linking Dayton with
Washington`s Ronald Reagan National Airport and New York`s LaGuardia
Airport. Also in December, the CRJ-200 will be introduced on PSA 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.
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