America West Holdings Corporation
(NYSE: AWA) and America West Airlines Inc. today announced that their boards
of directors have extended the employment contract of William A. Franke, the
corporations` Chairman, President and CEO, from December 31, 2000, to
December 31, 2002.

America West Holdings Corporation is an aviation and travel services
company with 1998 sales of $2.0 billion.  Its wholly owned subsidiary, America
West Airlines, is the nation`s ninth largest carrier serving more than
130 destinations in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

This press release, as well as releases issued in the past year by America
West Holdings and its affiliates, can be accessed on the America West Internet
site at http://www.americawest.com

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