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Low-fare carrier serving the American West and beyond.
Founded
1983
Headquarters
Tempe, United States
America West Airlines was a low-cost carrier founded in 1983 and headquartered in Tempe, Arizona. It grew rapidly to become one of the largest airlines in the United States, focusing on leisure and budget-conscious travelers primarily in the western states.
The airline famously filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 1991 following the Gulf War and economic downturn, but successfully emerged from bankruptcy in 1994. It was one of the few major carriers to survive such a filing and return to profitability.
In 2005, America West merged with US Airways, with the combined entity operating under the US Airways name. The America West brand was gradually phased out, and the callsign 'CACTUS' was retained by US Airways pilots for many years after the merger.
Hubs & network
America West operated primary hubs at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas.
Fleet
America West operated a fleet primarily consisting of Boeing 737s and 757s, along with Airbus A319s and A320s in its later years.
Notable facts
- ›America West was founded by Edward Beauvais and launched operations in August 1983.
- ›It filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 1991 during the Gulf War but successfully emerged in 1994.
- ›America West merged with US Airways in 2005, with the US Airways name being retained.
- ›The radio callsign 'CACTUS' was inherited by US Airways and later American Airlines pilots after the merger.
- ›At its peak, America West was the ninth-largest commercial airline in the United States.
This profile is provided for general information only. Contact details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airline's official website before acting on them.
