American West Airlines Picks New Chief

Michael J. Conway, the longtime president of America West Airlines, was given the additional title of chief executive. He replaces Edward R. Beauvais, who will stay on as chairman of the financially troubled carrier.

Beauvais, 54, the top executive of the Tempe, Ariz.-based airline since it was founded in 1981, said he recommended the change because the airline needs Conway’s financial expertise as it works its way through a Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization.

Conway, 46, had been America West’s chief operating officer since 1981; he was named president in 1984. Before joining America West, he was a vice president and controller for Continental Airlines.