Airline may seek fed assistance

Thursday, March 28, 2002 | 10:44 a.m.

ARLINGTON, Va. -- US Airways Group Inc. said it's evaluating whether to seek a government loan guarantee designed to help U.S. airlines recover from a drop in business after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

The sixth-largest U.S. carrier, which is trying to reorganize operations and stem losses, would become the second major airline to seek a guarantee along with America West Airlines. US Airways earlier had said it might seek a guarantee if needed and declined to comment beyond today's statement in a Securities and Exchange Commission filing.

US Airways had a record 2001 loss of $1.97 billion, or $29.28 a share. It was affected more than some rivals by the terrorist hijackings because many of its routes are on the East Coast, where the attacks occurred. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, where US Airways has a base, was closed and reopened gradually after Sept. 11.

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