America West Airlines (NYSE: AWA), the nation's second largest low-cost carrier, announced today that it has received authorization from the Department of Transportation (DOT) to commence a code-share partnership with Virgin Atlantic Airways, Britain's second largest carrier. Beginning Aug. 7, 2004, passengers can make reservations for travel on or after Aug. 9, 2004 by contacting Virgin directly or a professional travel agent. The new code-share, which expands upon the existing frequent flyer partnership between the two airlines, will kick off by offering each airline's frequent flyer membership double miles when they fly code-share flights through Nov. 30, 2004. The code-share will offer greater North American access to Virgin Atlantic customers, while bringing more passengers into America West's network.

Virgin Atlantic passengers on daily flights from London to U.S. gateways, including Los Angeles/LAX, San Francisco, Las Vegas and Washington, D.C./Dulles will be offered convenient connections on America West code-share flights to America West's hubs in Las Vegas and Phoenix. From America West's hubs, passengers can also connect to more than 90 destinations in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Costa Rica.

"Code-sharing with Virgin Atlantic is the next logical step in expanding our marketing relationship," said Scott Kirby, America West's executive vice president, sales and marketing. "Virgin's customers will have access to all of the amenities of a full-service carrier along with amazingly low fares."

Willy Boulter, commercial director for Virgin Atlantic commented, "We are delighted about the new code-share agreement with America West Airlines. Our passengers can enjoy more flexibility with convenient connections to more destinations in the United States together with fantastic value and excellent standards of service throughout the journey."

America West and Virgin Atlantic have been frequent flyer partners since 1999, and passengers flying on either airline can continue earning and redeeming miles in either carrier's frequent flyer program.

Code-sharing provides customers with more travel options by allowing one carrier to sell flights on another carrier as its own by attaching its two-letter booking code to the other carrier's flights listed in worldwide computer reservations systems and online travel sites. At check-in, passengers receive boarding passes and seat assignments on both airlines for their connecting code-share itineraries, as well as seamless baggage transfers.

Since it was founded in 1984, Virgin Atlantic Airways has become Britain's second largest carrier, serving the world's major cities. Now based at London Gatwick, London Heathrow and Manchester airports, Virgin operates long haul services to 22 destinations worldwide as far reaching as Las Vegas and Shanghai.

America West Airlines is the nation's second largest low-cost airline and the only carrier formed since deregulation to achieve major airline status. America West's 13,000 employees serve nearly 55,000 customers a day in 96 destinations in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Costa Rica.

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Media Contact: Shaun Breese +1 480-693-5729 shaun.breese@americawest.com