Message from US

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This came to me today, since I'm signed up for their FF info
stuff.  Thought some might find it interesting.

Shawn
KDCA



I wanted to take this opportunity to report to you on US Airways and our
plans for making sure the airline continues to provide you the best service
possible.
Looking back to last summer, our airline faced a number of difficult, but
foreseeable financial challenges. But these difficult challenges quickly
grew with the tragic - and unforeseeable - terrorist attacks of September
11. As you know, these attacks have changed our industry dramatically.
One effect has been to alter significantly the mindset of the traveling
public. Every traveler knows the attacks have had a substantial impact. And
while all airlines are contending with the business fallout from September
11, economically, US Airways has been the hardest hit. The post-September
11 reluctance to fly has been most pronounced on the East Coast, where most
of our flights are concentrated. US Airways was most heavily impacted by
the prolonged closure of Reagan Washington National Airport. Additionally,
we're the only airline that has to compete not only with our airline
competitors, but also with cars and trains on many of our short-haul
routes. The end result is that the events of September 11 and the ensuing
deep-rooted changes to our industry are challenging the short and long-term
financial health of US Airways.
We are moving quickly towards both a short-term and long-term solution.
Today, we filed a document with the Securities and Exchange Commission
describing our various restructuring options, including our intention to
apply for financing assistance from the Air Transportation Stabilization
Board (ATSB). Clearly, our preferred approach, which we are vigorously
pursuing, is to reach an accord with our stakeholders, including our
employee groups and vendors, on a restructuring plan and to obtain the
federal assistance. As the filing with the SEC indicates, however, if US
Airways is unable to do so, alternative restructuring scenarios in the
context of a judicial reorganization also must be considered. Simply
stated, this means reorganization under the protection of the U.S.
bankruptcy laws.
Under existing federal law we will submit a loan application to the ATSB by
June 28. If we were going to meet this short timetable everyone in the US
Airways family, including management, labor, and our vendors, has to sign
off on a new business plan in the coming weeks.
We expect to meet all the criteria to be eligible for the ATSB loan
guarantees and to meet the application deadline. As part of this process,
we will take steps to restructure this company, but we are committed to
preserving our existing routes, and serving our communities.
As this process moves forward, I will continue to keep you abreast of our
plans. As a frequent traveler, you are familiar with the challenges facing
the airline industry. We at US Airways are taking immediate action to
ensure that we can build on our legacy of providing outstanding service and
getting you where you want and need to go.

Sincerely,

B. Ben Baldanza
Sr. Vice President, Marketing and Planning

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