US Airways
US Airways is a major U.S. airline headquartered in Tempe, Arizona, operating hubs in Charlotte, North Carolina, Phoenix, Arizona and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Founded by the du Pont brothers Richard and Alexis, the early days of US Airways operating as All American Aviation Company, were as a mail carrier serving the Ohio River Valley out of Pittsburg, PA in 1939. Ten years later, the airline was renamed All American Airways, and switch from mail to passenger service.
The airline was again renamed in 1953 to Allegheny Airlines, and progressively expanded to become one of the largest carriers in the northeastern U.S. by 1972. In 1979, following airline deregulation, the airline became known as US Air, and again expanded service routes into southeastern U.S.
The early 1990’s saw expansion into Europe, and new partnerships with other airlines and in 1996, the airline officially became known as US Airways, with the distinctive stylized Flag of the United States logo and branding we recognize today. US Airways now operates flights to 200 destinations in 30 countries, out of its Phoenix, Charlotte, and Philadelphia hubs. The majority of routes are concentrated along the U.S. east coast, Southwestern U.S., and the Caribbean, with a number of routes to Europe and major centers on the U.S. west coast.
Mergers
Following the incidents of 9/11, US Airways attempted to cut costs and use new business models. Unfortunately, as the largest carrier at Washington-Reagan airport, the airline was greatly affected and the extended closure of the airport resulted in financial disaster for the company, and they filed for bankruptcy in 2002. A second round of bankruptcy proceedings was filed in 2004 by the airline, after unsuccessful restructuring and cost-cutting measures. In 2005, the airline avoided bankruptcy and liquidation when it was acquired by America West. The acquisition has allowed US Airways to penetrate new markets, and provide new routes for passengers to key destinations throughout the U.S. and internationally.
Fleet
As of July 2010, US Airways operates the largest Airbus fleet of aircraft in the world. The airline also uses Boeing 737, 757, and 767 to transport passengers around the globe. Total fleet size is 345 aircraft – much smaller than some of its competitors.
US Airways is more of a no-frills airline, with no in-flight entertainment options available to passengers except for overseas flights. However, Wi-Fi is being offered on selected flights on a trial basis.
Envoy Class, US Airways' International Business Class, offers passengers a lie-flat Sleeper Seat on the Airbus A330-300 aircraft, with on-demand entertainment. Other aircraft have the wide, comfortable seating Business and First class passengers have come to expect, although they aren't equipped with the Sleeper Seats. The airline provides complimentary food and beverage service for all Envoy Class passengers.
Meals are provided on domestic flights of 3.5 hours or longer – complimentary for First Class passengers, for purchase in the Economy section. Coffee, tea and soft drinks are always provided free of charge. On international flights, meals and beverages are provided at no charge.
Airline website US Airways |
