Friday, April 19, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.
COMMENTS: America West Airlines said profits more than doubled in the third quarter, primarily because of expanded service and improved marketing. The earnings "reflect customer response to our new marketing strategies and fare structure as well as the initial success of our announced growth plan," said Bill Franke, chairman and chief executive of the Phoenix-based airline. In September, the airline said it would increase its capacity by 29 percent over the next two years. It has begun serving Detroit and plans to increase service at Atlanta, Boston, Denver, Los Angeles, Newark and Philadelphia and begin serving San Antonio and Anchorage. The earnings announcement follows Monday's news that America West and British Airlines have formed a marketing alliance linking their frequent-flier programs. The agreement takes effect July 1 pending regulatory approval. America West is the No. 2 carrier at McCarran International Airport in number of passengers flown annually and heavily markets Las Vegas for late-night flights. (NYSE: AWA) -- Associated Press
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