America West Airlines (NYSE: AWA) initiated new service today between Phoenix and Anchorage, Alaska providing the only daily, nonstop service between the two destinations. The new service is part of America West's 2004 growth plan to meet increased customer demand for the airline's extremely successful business-friendly fare structure and outstanding service.

"Just in time for summer travel, America West customers will certainly enjoy convenient access to this top vacation destination boasting the best of the great outdoors from salmon fishing and abundant wildlife to hiking among awesome glaciers," said Dion Flannery, vice president, scheduling, route planning and Internet distribution. "Additionally, we're pleased to offer Anchorage customers a flight arrival time in Phoenix that provides convenient access to more than 60 destinations across the U.S., Mexico and Costa Rica."

America West will use the 124-seat Airbus A319 aircraft configured with 12 first class seats and 112 coach class seats for this new service. The schedule for the new flights is listed below.

From Phoenix to Anchorage From Anchorage to Phoenix Flight Departs Arrives Flight Departs Arrives 140 7:26 p.m. 12:11 a.m. *44 1:30 a.m. 7:55 a.m.

*Flight 44 initiates on June 2, 2004

The sample fares listed below are each way based on a roundtrip purchase. Fares require a 14-day advance purchase, a one-night minimum stay and are valid on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. Flights connect through Phoenix.

Market Fares* Atlanta $206 Chicago $208 Houston $217 Dallas $218 San Diego $229 Fort Lauderdale, Fla. $230 Los Angeles $239 Phoenix $246

* Sample fares are each way based on a roundtrip purchase. Ticket must be purchased 14 days in advance of travel date and a one-night minimum stay is required. Fares are only available on flights connecting through Phoenix. Fares are valid on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. Fares do not include Passenger Facility Charges of $3 to $18 per itinerary, federal excise taxes of $3.10 per segment or the September 11th Security Fee of $2.50 per segment (up to $10 per itinerary). A segment is defined as one takeoff and landing. Fares do not include a navigational surcharge of $5 per itinerary, as well as a $6.90 Anchorage/Hawaii Arrival/Departure tax. Prices are subject to change at any time. A $100 change fee applies. Seats and fares are limited and may not be available on all flights. Changes are not permitted for passenger name except to parent/spouse or child and only changeable at an America West ticket counter or city ticket office. Flights may be provided by America West Express, which is operated by subsidiary airlines of Mesa Air Group. Tickets are nonrefundable.

In addition, to low fares to Anchorage, Alaska, customers can also "See Denali" when they book a three-night stay in Alaska with America West Vacations. A sample vacation package is listed below which includes roundtrip airfare from Phoenix. Fares are based on select Sunday through Tuesday departures between July and August.

"See Denali" Fare** $1,180 per person

Day 1: Arrive in beautiful Anchorage, Alaska featuring snow-capped mountains, glistening glaciers and crystal clear lakes and streams. Stay overnight in downtown Anchorage.

Day 2: Enjoy a scenic train ride through the Matanuska-Susitna Valley to Talkeetna and on to Denali. Overnight stay in hotel near Denali National Park.

Day 3: Enjoy a morning Tundra Wilderness bus tour in Denali National Park with a box lunch. The park features Mount McKinley and abundant wildlife including bears, caribou, moose, mountain sheep, wolves and a variety of birds. Overnight stay in Denali.

Day 4: Optional excursions in Denali. Return to Anchorage on the Alaska Scenic Railroad.

** Sample vacation fare is valid for select Sunday through Tuesday departures from Phoenix between July and August 2004. All prices shown are per person, based on double occupancy and may not apply to group travel or during other holiday/convention dates, as specified by individual hotels. Availability is limited. Additional nights, other hotels, dates and destinations are available, but prices will vary. Sample fare does not include Passenger Facility Charges and federal segment fees from $14 to $29 per person, the federal excise tax of $3.10 per segment or the Sept. 11 Security Fee of $2.50 per segment up to $10. A segment is defined as a takeoff and a landing. Any change is subject to a change fee of up to $150 per person, plus any increase in package price. No changes are allowed within 30 days of departure. Airline tickets are nonrefundable. Flights may be provided by America West Express, which is operated by subsidiary airlines of Mesa Air Group.

For more information or to make a reservation, customers may call America West Airlines at 1-800-2-FLY-AWA (1-800-235-9292), contact a professional travel agent or log onto the airline's Web site at www.americawest.com. To book an America West Vacations package, customers can log onto www.americawestvacations.com or call 1-800-2-FLY-AWV (1-800-235-9298).

America West Airlines is the nation's second largest low-fare 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 U.S., Canada, Mexico and Costa Rica.

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