Will Supply America West With Additional Passenger Traffic, Provide Qantas

Customers With Convenient Connections From Phoenix and Edmonton

PHOENIX, Jan. 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Today, America West Airlines (NYSE: AWA) and Qantas Airways (ASX: QAN) announced a new code-share partnership that will offer passengers convenient access to Australia and New Zealand from Phoenix, Ariz. and Edmonton in Alberta, Canada. In Los Angeles, passengers will now be able to easily connect to Qantas Airways flights bound for Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, Australia, as well as Auckland, New Zealand and beyond, offering increased flexibility and choice for travelers to destinations in the South Pacific.

"We're pleased to be adding Qantas Airways, one of the most renowned international carriers, to our portfolio of world-class alliance partners," said Dion Flannery, America West vice president, scheduling and route planning.

"This relationship will provide passengers increased choice, greater access and more convenient service to highly sought after travel destinations in Australia, New Zealand and beyond. Meanwhile, from Phoenix, America West operates more than 300 flights a day to destinations in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Costa Rica," he added.

"Our partnership with America West helps to ensure that our passengers benefit by having access to the most flexible options possible to suit their travel preferences," said Howard Goldberg, vice president of sales and marketing for Qantas Airways. "We welcome this new opportunity to provide more convenient access to travelers from Phoenix, one of the fastest growing regions in the country," he added.

Code-sharing provides passengers with a smooth transition between connecting flights on their trips. At check-in, passengers receive boarding passes on both airlines for their connecting code-share itineraries. Additionally, passengers can check their baggage just once at the start of their travel, rather than transferring it to another airline mid-journey. Convenient connection times for code-share flights allow for limited wait times between flights and smoother Customs clearance upon arrival. Passengers can make reservations either by contacting Qantas Airways directly or their travel agents.

Qantas Airways is the world's second oldest airline and Australia's largest domestic and international carrier, operating nearly 540 international flights each week to 80 destinations in 37 countries in Africa, the Americas, Asia, UK/Europe, and the Pacific. In addition, Qantas operates more than 5,000 domestic flights weekly to 58 destinations in Australia, plus 300 weekly domestic flights within New Zealand. Additional information on Qantas Airways can be accessed at www.QantasUSA.com

America West Airlines is the nation's second largest low-cost airline and offers a range of services such as first class, assigned seating, airport clubs and an award-winning frequent flyer program. America West's 13,000 employees serve 55,000 customers a day on more than 900 flights to 96 destinations in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Costa Rica. This press release and additional information on America West can be accessed at www.americawest.com?c=12270816QF.

SOURCE America West Airlines; Qantas Airways


CO: America West Airlines; Qantas Airways
ST: Arizona, New Zealand, Australia
IN: AIR LEI TRA
SU: LIC

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