America West Airlines

American West was incorporated in 1981. It began service in 1983 after raising capital as a start-up with an initial public offering. Service began from a hub in Phoenix with 3 737's. By the end of 1990 America West had over 14,000 employees and operated 104 aircraft including 11 157's and 4 747's. In June of 1991 America West declared chapter 11 bankruptcy. In 1994 with the assistance of a $214 million outside investment America West emerged from bankruptcy. It has thrived since emerging from bankruptcy. In 2005 America West entered into a reverse merger with US Airways and soon renamed its planes and flights as America West