AIRLINES

USAir to Lay Off 2,500 Workers: The figure represents more than 5% of the work force of the Arlington, Va.-based airline. The action is being taken because of expected losses this year, including a $180-million pretax loss in the third quarter, the airline said. The layoffs, which will begin in November and stretch through the first half of next year, are part of a broader cost-cutting effort, USAir said. The airline employs 46,000.