TheNewLowFare
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- Aug 31, 2005
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Some optimism returns at US Airways
By Julie Jones, Staff Writer
Wednesday, October 5, 2005
US Airways and America West Airlines celebrated their merger at Pittsburgh International Airport with a decorating contest, barbeque and a performance by Ambridge High School Steel Drum Band last week.
US Airways chairman, president and CEO Doug Parker celebrated the merger at the New York Stock Exchange's opening bell ceremony and watched the new airline debut on the Stock Exchange under the LLC symbol.
"We are confident that the enthusiasm and professionalism of our employees, combined with the experienced leadership team we have selected to run the new airline, will give us greater financial stability and competitive strength in the marketplace," said Parker in a company release.
While everyone was celebrating the merger, Sally Haas, president of Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of Commerce, saw both the upside and potential downside to the merger.
"Certainly we are glad to see that US Airways will keep a presence here in the Pittsburgh region," Haas said.
"We hope that this merger will enable the airline to expand service and accessibility at the airport and preserve the jobs of those employees who have made significant sacrifices over the past few years.
"What we don't know yet is the full impact of this merger. Most likely jobs will be moved to other areas or eliminated to avoid duplication of positions," she wrote.
Nonetheless, Haas shared the optimism of US Airways employees and officials last week.
"For now, we need to emphasize the positive effect that this merger has on our region! For now, it appears that we are able to keep jobs and expand service here at PIT," Haas said.
For now, the new airline will operate under the US Airways name, but each airline's Web site and reservations systems will operate separately.
By Julie Jones, Staff Writer
Wednesday, October 5, 2005
US Airways and America West Airlines celebrated their merger at Pittsburgh International Airport with a decorating contest, barbeque and a performance by Ambridge High School Steel Drum Band last week.
US Airways chairman, president and CEO Doug Parker celebrated the merger at the New York Stock Exchange's opening bell ceremony and watched the new airline debut on the Stock Exchange under the LLC symbol.
"We are confident that the enthusiasm and professionalism of our employees, combined with the experienced leadership team we have selected to run the new airline, will give us greater financial stability and competitive strength in the marketplace," said Parker in a company release.
While everyone was celebrating the merger, Sally Haas, president of Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of Commerce, saw both the upside and potential downside to the merger.
"Certainly we are glad to see that US Airways will keep a presence here in the Pittsburgh region," Haas said.
"We hope that this merger will enable the airline to expand service and accessibility at the airport and preserve the jobs of those employees who have made significant sacrifices over the past few years.
"What we don't know yet is the full impact of this merger. Most likely jobs will be moved to other areas or eliminated to avoid duplication of positions," she wrote.
Nonetheless, Haas shared the optimism of US Airways employees and officials last week.
"For now, we need to emphasize the positive effect that this merger has on our region! For now, it appears that we are able to keep jobs and expand service here at PIT," Haas said.
For now, the new airline will operate under the US Airways name, but each airline's Web site and reservations systems will operate separately.
