Press Release 2004

US Airways to become full member of Star Alliance on May 4
 
Star AllianceTM today announced that US Airways will become a full member effective May 4, 2004, further enhancing US Airways’ and Star Alliance’s global reach and expanding the breadth of service available to customers. “US Airways will significantly strengthen our network and product offering especially into and out of the eastern U.S. seaboard and the Caribbean via its hubs in Philadelphia, Charlotte and Pittsburgh,” said Jaan Albrecht, CEO of Star Alliance. “Additionally, experience has shown that US Airways and other member carriers will see an increase in traffic and revenue as more frequent fliers take advantage of the vast array of benefits the Star Alliance network has to offer.”

“Joining Star Alliance is an important and historic milestone for US Airways and we could not be more excited about joining the world’s leading alliance,” Bruce R. Lakefield, President & Chief Executive Officer of US Airways. “Our customers will enjoy unprecedented global access and frequent flier benefits, and our company will benefit from the additional revenue and cost saving opportunities that the alliance provides.”

US Airways offers nearly 3,300 daily non-stop flights to 187 destinations in the U.S., Caribbean, Latin America, Europe, Canada and Mexico. Once it joins, the Star Alliance network will comprise 14,000 flights per day to 755 destinations in 132 countries across the globe, in addition to 575 airport lounges worldwide. With US Airways as part of Star Alliance, its frequent fliers will now be able to accrue and redeem miles on any of the 15 member airlines and will be eligible to achieve Star Alliance Silver or Star Alliance Gold status. US Airways Dividend Miles Chairman’s Preferred and Gold Preferred members automatically become Star Gold members, and Silver Preferred members will be recognized as Star Silver members.

Star Alliance Silver status entitles customers to priority reservation wait-list and priority standby at the airport. Star Alliance Gold status customers additionally enjoy access to each of the member airline lounges, dedicated check-in, priority baggage service, additional baggage allowances, and priority boarding.

As a member of Star Alliance, US Airways also will have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of cost saving initiatives, such as fuel purchasing and media procurement, with other member carriers.

Another important advantage to US Airways passengers, said Albrecht, is that Star Alliance member airlines provide coordinated schedules at conveniently located airports, which can dramatically reduce connection times at key hubs across the network.

Star Alliance was established in 1997 as the first truly global airline alliance to offer customers global reach and a smooth travel experience. The members are Air Canada, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, bmi, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Spanair, Thai Airways International, United, and VARIG Brazilian Airlines. US Airways is the seventh-largest airline in the U.S., serving nearly 200 communities in the U.S., Canada, Europe, the Caribbean and Latin America. US Airways, US Airways Shuttle and the US Airways Express partner carriers operate over 3,200 flights per day.

For further information contact:

Star Alliance Press Office:                          US Airways Press Office:
Tel: +49 69 96375 183                                 Tel: +1 703 872 5100
Email: mediarelations@staralliance.com

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