America West Airlines , the
nation’s second largest low-cost carrier, today announced that it has
received U.S. Department of Transportation antitrust immunity for
its alliance with code-share partner Royal Jordanian, the full-service,
international carrier serving more than 50 destinations in the Middle
East, Far East, North Africa, Europe and North America. The DOT approval,
issued on January 27, 2005, represents a historic milestone in the
evolving U.S. aviation industry, as America West becomes the first
low-cost carrier ever granted antitrust immunity with another carrier.The DOT approval benefits customers by making possible faster connections
and the addition of new travel destinations as the two carriers are now
able to coordinate schedules, jointly serve existing markets and identify
new markets for expansion. The arrangement also improves efficiencies as
both carriers realize economies of scale and are able to offer joint fares
that previously were not available. International passengers will have the
opportunity to earn frequent flyer miles in one program of their choice
instead of maintaining multiple accounts.

America West and Royal Jordanian entered into a comprehensive marketing
alliance in 2004 that included reciprocal code-sharing, frequent flyer
benefits and lounge access rights. Under the arrangement, which allowed
America West to begin placing its code on Royal Jordanian flights between
New York/JFK, Chicago/O’Hare, Detroit and Amman, Jordan, America West
became the only U.S. carrier able to sell nonstop code-share service
between the U.S. and Jordan, saving customers traveling to the Middle East
valuable time versus connecting through Europe. Royal Jordanian, which
began service to the U.S. in 1977, expanded its presence there by placing
its code on America West domestic flights.

“The DOT grant of antitrust immunity allows us to build on the successful
relationship we began with Royal Jordanian last year and further
strengthen our presence in international markets,” said Scott Kirby,
America West’s executive vice president of sales and marketing. “America
West is the only low-cost carrier that partners with international
airlines and these partnerships help us take our passengers to more
destinations around the world than any of our low-cost competitors,” he
added.

Samer Majali, vice chairman, president & CEO of Royal Jordanian, said:
“Jordan was the first non-European country to sign an open skies agreement
with the United States, and Royal Jordanian is looking forward to closer
commercial cooperation with America West. U.S. customers already benefit
from our code-share agreement by flying nonstop to Jordan instead of
through Europe. Now we will be able to work more closely with America West
to improve service and provide greater benefits for both airlines’
passengers.”

In addition to the code-share benefits, members of America West’s
award-winning FlightFund program and Royal Jordanian’s Royal Plus program
can accrue and redeem miles on all scheduled flights operated by either
airline, and America West Club members and Royal Jordanian elite members
receive access to both airlines’ lounges. To book a ticket, customers may
call America West at 1-800-2-FLY-AWA (1-800-235-9292) or contact their
travel agent. For additional information, customers may also visit
http://www.americawest.com/alliances?c=12270816RJAT.

Code-sharing provides customers with more travel options by allowing one
carrier to sell flights on another carrier by attaching its two-letter
booking code to the other carrier’s flights listed in worldwide computer
reservations systems and online travel sites.
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