TWA Will Increase Flights to Los Angeles

Trans World Airlines Inc. said it would add six more flights to Los Angeles by the end of this year as the eighth-largest U.S. carrier seeks more business outside its St. Louis hub. TWA began a fourth daily nonstop flight between Los Angeles International Airport and New York’s JFK International Airport this month and plans a fifth later this year. On Sept. 10, it will start the only nonstop flight between LAX and Washington’s Reagan National Airport. TWA also is teaming up with AMR Corp.’s American Eagle unit to funnel passengers to L.A. The airline is making Los Angeles its second “focus city,” or secondary hub, after designating San Juan, Puerto Rico, last year. The strategy aims to strengthen TWA’s customer base outside its hometown of St. Louis, though it’s not expected to challenge the dominance of carriers such as UAL Corp.’s United Airlines. TWA shares rose 6 cents to close at $2.31 on the American Stock Exchange.