Does anyone know if America West Flights count towards One Pass Elite (Status miles?)

I am about to buy an hp ewr-phx-yvr roundtrip and use miles to upgrade it to First class. I need the one pass status miles as this will make me elite for the year.

(The reason I am doing this is that I have an addional 45K in flight fund - and will get a companions ticket with that). This if for summer travel and don't want to play the wait and see game with CO to see if they will release the seats.

Can someone confirm that they count for status as well as miles earned?

Anyone have any better ideas for ewr-yvr in first class using 45k in flight fund miles and 1 continental coach +20k upgrade?

Thanks