8-K

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                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549


                                    FORM 8-K


                                 CURRENT REPORT


     PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934


       Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): December 2, 1995


                          AMERICA WEST AIRLINES, INC.
               (Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)


        Delaware                  1-10140                 86-0418245
(State or other jurisdic-        (Commission              (IRS employer
tion of incorporation)           file number)             identification no.)


             4000 East Sky Harbor Boulevard, Phoenix, Arizona 85034
              (Address of principal executive offices)    (Zip code)


       Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (602) 693-0800


         (Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

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ITEM 5. OTHER EVENTS

        The information set forth in the press release of the registrant dated 
December 2, 1995, which is filed as an exhibit hereto, is incorporated by 
reference.

ITEM 7. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS

(c)     Exhibits.
        
        99.1  Press Release dated December 2, 1995




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                                   SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the 
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the 
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

                                        AMERICA WEST AIRLINES, INC.

                                        By /s/ W. Douglas Parker
                                           -----------------------------
                                           W. Douglas Parker
                                           Senior Vice President and
                                           Chief Financial Officer

December 4, 1995




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                                 EXHIBIT INDEX




                                                                   
EXHIBIT NO.                     DESCRIPTION                        
- -----------                     -----------                        
                                                             
   99.1              Press Release dated December 2, 1995











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EX-99.1

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                                                                   Exhibit 99.1

_________________________________________________PR NEWSWIRE NEWSFAX


              AMERICA WEST AIRLINES TO OUTSOURCE HEAVY MAINTENANCE

        PHOENIX, Dec. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- America West Airlines (NYSE: AWA)
announced that its Board of Directors has approved a proposal, effective
immediately, to outsource its heavy aircraft maintenance to Tramco, a division
of The BFGoodrich Company, in Everett, WA. The outsourcing is estimated to save
the Company approximately $35 million over the five-year term of the
arrangement.

        The decision will reduce by one-half the Company's base maintenance 
work force of approximately 1,000 employees. Approximately 470 maintenance 
employees will be retained to perform and supervise line maintenance.

        "While we believe that this is the correct strategic decision, it is 
difficult and painful because jobs must be eliminated," said W.A. Franke, 
chairman and chief executive officer. "We have attempted to assist the affected 
employees by offering generous transition pay and benefits as well as extensive 
outplacement assistance."

        "In addition to the financial benefits to America West, Tramco offers a
proven reputation for safety, quality and the capacity to meet our work
schedule," said Thomas F. Derieg, senior vice president of operations. "Tramco
has performed modification, introduction and transition maintenance for America
West in the past 24 months. Its history of performance for America West and
other airlines has been excellent. Tramco operates one of the largest airframe
maintenance, repair and overhaul facilities in North America. Tramco is
FAA-approved and audited, and all the work will conform to America West's
specifications."

        Since emerging from bankruptcy, America West has focused on its core 
business of transporting passengers. To that end, the Company has already 
outsourced catering, aircraft cleaning, audiovisual and certain security 
functions. Several of America West's competitors, including Southwest, 
Continental, United, Delta, Alaska, Reno Air, ValuJet, Western Pacific, 
Frontier and Kiwi, outsource all or part of their heavy maintenance operations.

        "This decision provides a significant positive financial impact while
assuring cost-effective management of our heavy maintenance as the Company's
fleet and operations grow," said W. Douglas Parker, senior vice president and
chief financial officer. "Maintaining our low-cost advantage relative to our
competitors is imperative to America West's financial security now and in the
future."

        Costs associated with the outsourcing of heavy aircraft maintenance 
will result in a nonrecurring charge against fourth quarter operating income 
and earnings of approximately $10.5 million.

        The reduction of approximately 500 employees will include technicians,
inspectors, managers, supervisors, engineers and employees in support roles such
as human resources, information systems, payroll and purchasing.

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        On average, transition arrangements -- including forecasted AWArd Pay,
performance awards based on achievement of Company operating income goals for
1995 paid to all eligible technical employees, including those inactive
employees released as a result of the outsourcing -- will offer an employee with
six or more years of experience about 56 percent of annual salary or about 35
percent of annual salary if the employee has less experience. Immediate job
placement and career counseling assistance, including America West-sponsored job
fairs, resume preparation and interview skills development, will also be
provided. 

        "As we attempt to mitigate the individual effect on our employees, we 
are also mindful of the impact on the local economy," Franke said. "We firmly 
believe that the short-term consequences to the Phoenix area will be more than 
offset by the Company's increased financial stability, which, in turn, supports 
our recently announced two-year growth plan, which is expected to add between 
800 and 900 jobs to our Phoenix operations."

        -0-                             12/2/95

        /CONTACT: Michael Mitchell, Manager - Corporate Communications, of
 America West Airlines, 602-693-5732/


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