Stateswest, Operator of USAir Commuter Flights, Stops Service

Stateswest Airlines, which operates commuter flights for USAir in California and Arizona, ceased operations Friday after operating under Bankruptcy Court protection since December.

The closure of Phoenix-based Stateswest temporarily leaves USAir without commuter air service in California. Stateswest carried passengers on 114 flights a day under the USAir Express name. USAir jet service is not affected by the shutdown.

From Los Angeles, USAir Express flew to San Diego, Palm Springs, Ontario, Santa Barbara, Monterey, Fresno and Orange County.

Virginia-based USAir expects to resume USAir Express service in California on Oct. 18 with a new carrier, spokeswoman Susan Young said, adding that USAir Express passengers should call the airline’s reservations number--(800) 428-4322--for re-booking.

Stateswest said it shut down after failing to find a new partner to replace USAir, which had planned to terminate its relationship with the commuter airline in January.

Stateswest officials were not available for comment.