Summary
Once a dominant force in American aviation, all trace of former airline US Airways now seems to be gone. But what was its story, and what happened to it?
A History of US Airways
US Air BAC 1-11
The former N502EA went on to fly for US Airways. Photo (c) Aero Icarus
US Airways, originally known as USAir, was formed on February 27, 1939, as All American Aviation, operating airmail routes in western Pennsylvania and the Ohio Valley. Over the years, it underwent several name changes before becoming USAir in 1979, and finally rebranding as US Airways in 1997. Its headquarters were located in Crystal City, Arlington, Virginia, near Washington, D.C.
Throughout its history, US Airways developed a robust route network, particularly along the eastern and western coasts of the United States. It served major cities such as New York, Philadelphia, Charlotte, and Phoenix, among others, as well as international destinations in Europe, the Caribbean, and South America.
Merger With America West Airlines
Photo (c) EDDIE
Phoenix Sky Harbor and former America West aircraft wearing US Airways livery.
One of the most significant events in US Airways’ history was its merger with America West Airlines in 2005.
America West had been founded in 1981 to operate out of Arizona and grew into a significant presence.
The merger with US Airways created the sixth-largest airline in the United States, operating under the US Airways name. The merger brought together two airlines with complementary route networks, allowing for increased efficiency and expanded service offerings across both the East and West of the country.
US Airways Fleet
A USAir Douglas DC-9
Over the course of its history and through the many other carriers which had merged into it, US Airways had flown a vast range of airliner types.
These included the BAC One-Eleven, Boeing 727, 737 and 767, Douglas DC-9 and MD-80 series, the Fokker F28 and F100, and even the BAe 146.
In its final days, US Airways was operating a large fleet of Airbus A320 family aircraft, alongside Boeing 737-400, 757-200, and 767-200ER, plus Embraer 190s. Long-haul services were flown by Airbus A330-200 and -300 widebody types.
US Airways Feeder Carriers
A number of subsidiaries were providing feeder services on behalf of US Airways at the end of its life. These included:
Piedmont and PSA, both legacies of former airlines having merged with the carrier, and they flew regional types like the De Havilland Canada DHC-8 and Bombardier CRJ.
Financial Woes and Merger
US Airways faced various challenges over the years, including financial difficulties and operational issues. However, it managed to navigate through these challenges and remain a prominent player in the airline industry.
In 2013, US Airways merged with American Airlines, forming the largest airline in the world by passenger traffic and fleet size. The merger marked the end of the US Airways brand, as all flights and operations were gradually integrated into American Airlines.
Most of the Airbus A320 family aircraft, plus the A330s, Boeing 757s and Embraer 190s were retained and painted in American Airlines’ livery.
From its humble beginnings as a regional carrier to its merger with one of the world’s largest airlines, US Airways left an indelible mark on the history of aviation.
“The aircraft are also quieter and generate up to 25 per cent fewer carbon emissions, which is critical as we work towards our net zero target.” Said
