America West Cuts Its Business Fares

America West Airlines effectively slashed business fares as much as 60% by simplifying its fare structure even as the airline industry tries to bolster revenues by attracting more corporate clients.

America West, the No. 8 U.S. airline and a unit of America West Holdings Corp., said it removed Saturday-night-stay restrictions and trimmed the advance purchase days required to buy its cheaper fares.

Aviation experts said rival carriers could try to match the cuts in competitive markets, further eroding fragile industry revenues. Several airlines immediately undercut their business fares in specific markets, analysts said.

Shares of America West Holdings fell 26 cents to close at $5.21 on the New York Stock Exchange.