Started With New CRJ-200s, Delivering This Week

US Airways Express carrier PSA Airlines Inc. took delivery Tuesday of its first new 50-seat Bombardier CRJ-200 regional jet. The aircraft is scheduled to enter service on PSA's route network on December 14, 2003. Senior US Airways officials attended a special hand-over ceremony at Bombardier Aerospace.

"This truly is an historic milestone for US Airways Group as we take delivery of PSA's first regional jet, implementing another key element of the company's restructuring plan," said US Airways Express President Bruce Ashby. "The CRJ-200 is an outstanding airplane with a proven and successful track record in RJ operations within North America and in markets all over the world.

"This aircraft will strengthen US Airways' competitive position significantly, while providing enhanced benefits for PSA's customers in terms of cabin comfort and performance."

"Larger airlines are continuing to turn to their regional partners for profitable service in many markets, thus continuing the regional airline revolution that began little more than a decade ago with the pioneering Bombardier CRJ," said Steven A. Ridolfi, president of Bombardier Aerospace Regional Aircraft. "Now, US Airways will realize the benefits of high performance, low operating costs and the family commonality advantages of the Bombardier CRJ family."

PSA's President and Chief Executive Officer Dick Pfennig said: "PSA today begins its transition to an all-regional jet airline. I am delighted for our company, our employees and our customers, and we are especially grateful for the commitment and support we have received from the City of Dayton." (PSA, based at Dayton, Ohio, will take delivery of 60 Bombardier CRJ-200s as part of US Airways regional jet order announced in May 2003. The first two arrive this week and will perform proving flights and undergo training requirements before entering service in December.)

Another two aircraft are scheduled to arrive in November, and deliveries will continue at the rate of approximately three aircraft per month until spring 2005. PSA's existing fleet of 30 Dornier 328 turboprop aircraft, with 32 passenger seats, will be phased out of service with deliveries of the CRJ-200s.

The completion of PSA's CRJ-200 deliveries will double the size of the carrier's current fleet, and passenger capacity will increase three-fold. "Its expansion," the airline says, "will create more than 500 new jobs, including pilots, flight attendants and mechanics."

PSA is a wholly owned subsidiary of US Airways Group, Inc., and has 1,550 employees.

FMI: www.psaairlines.com