<PAGE>   1
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                                    FORM 10-Q
(MARK ONE)

[X]      QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
         EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 2001 OR

[ ]      TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
         EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM                         TO
                               ----------------------     ---------------------

COMMISSION FILE NUMBER                        1-10140
                       --------------------------------------------------------

                           AMERICA WEST AIRLINES, INC.
             (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                           <C>
                        DELAWARE                                                           86-0418245
----------------------------------------------------------------              ------------------------------------
(STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)                (I.R.S. EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NO.)
</TABLE>


       4000 EAST SKY HARBOR BLVD.             PHOENIX, ARIZONA          85034
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 (ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)                             (ZIP CODE)

REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE                (480) 693-0800
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                 N/A
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
(FORMER NAME, FORMER ADDRESS AND FORMER FISCAL YEAR, IF CHANGED SINCE LAST
REPORT)

INDICATE BY CHECK MARK WHETHER THE REGISTRANT (1) HAS FILED ALL REPORTS REQUIRED
TO BE FILED BY SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 DURING
THE PRECEDING 12 MONTHS (OR FOR SUCH SHORTER PERIOD THAT THE REGISTRANT WAS
REQUIRED TO FILE SUCH REPORTS), AND (2) HAS BEEN SUBJECT TO SUCH FILING
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PAST 90 DAYS.

YES   XX                   NO
     ----                     ----

INDICATE BY CHECKMARK WHETHER THE REGISTRANT HAS FILED ALL DOCUMENTS AND REPORTS
REQUIRED TO BE FILED BY SECTION 12, 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGES ACT
OF 1934 SUBSEQUENT TO THE DISTRIBUTION OF SECURITIES UNDER A PLAN CONFIRMED BY A
COURT.

YES   XX                   NO
     ----                     ----

THE COMPANY HAS 1,000 SHARES OF CLASS B COMMON STOCK AS OF APRIL 27, 2001.

THE REGISTRANT, A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF AMERICA WEST HOLDINGS CORPORATION,
MEETS THE CONDITION SET FORTH IN GENERAL INSTRUCTION H(1) (a) and (b) OF FORM
10-Q AND IS THEREFORE FILING THIS FORM WITH REDUCED DISCLOSURE FORMAT PURSUANT
TO GENERAL INSTRUCTION H(2).
<PAGE>   2
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                           AMERICA WEST AIRLINES, INC.
                            CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
                        (IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
                                   (UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    MARCH 31,       DECEMBER 31,
                                                                      2001              2000
                                                                      ----              ----
<S>                                                               <C>               <C>
                      ASSETS

Current assets:
    Cash and cash equivalents ............................        $   63,288        $  139,150
    Short-term investments ...............................            67,636            50,686
    Accounts receivable, net .............................           142,930           130,219
    Advances to parent company and affiliate, net ........           270,409           273,272
    Expendable spare parts and supplies, net .............            43,838            41,843
    Prepaid expenses .....................................            74,580            35,998
                                                                  ----------        ----------

        Total current assets .............................           662,681           671,168
                                                                  ----------        ----------

Property and equipment:
    Flight equipment .....................................           926,312           903,336
    Other property and equipment .........................           225,201           211,922
    Equipment purchase deposits ..........................            78,250            93,750
                                                                  ----------        ----------
                                                                   1,229,763         1,209,008
    Less accumulated depreciation and amortization .......           480,896           458,616
                                                                  ----------        ----------

         Net property and equipment ......................           748,867           750,392
                                                                  ----------        ----------

Other assets:
    Restricted cash ......................................            31,296            31,120
    Reorganization value in excess of amounts allocable to
        identifiable assets, net .........................           266,932           271,906
    Other assets, net ....................................            56,655            60,887
                                                                  ----------        ----------

        Total other assets ...............................           354,883           363,913
                                                                  ----------        ----------
                                                                  $1,766,431        $1,785,473
                                                                  ==========        ==========
</TABLE>

            See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements.

                                       2
<PAGE>   3
                           AMERICA WEST AIRLINES, INC.
                            CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
                        (IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
                                   (UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     MARCH 31,        DECEMBER 31,
                                                                       2001               2000
                                                                       ----               ----
<S>                                                               <C>                 <C>
                      LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY

Current liabilities:
    Current maturities of long-term debt .................        $    82,645         $   159,667
    Accounts payable .....................................            157,752             147,661
    Air traffic liability ................................            249,775             183,531
    Accrued compensation and vacation benefits ...........             36,075              35,850
    Accrued taxes ........................................             55,744              57,540
    Other accrued liabilities ............................             30,097              31,542
                                                                  -----------         -----------

        Total current liabilities ........................            612,088             615,791
                                                                  -----------         -----------

Long-term debt, less current maturities ..................            141,338             145,578

Deferred credits and other liabilities ...................            104,733              99,308

Deferred tax liability, net ..............................             41,105              42,856

Commitments and contingencies

Stockholder's equity:
    Class B common stock, $.01 par value.  Authorized
        1,000 shares; issued and outstanding, 1,000 shares                 --                  --
    Additional paid-in capital ...........................            519,749             519,748
    Retained earnings ....................................            349,138             362,192

    Accumulated other comprehensive loss .................             (1,720)                 --
                                                                  -----------         -----------

        Total stockholder's equity .......................            867,167             881,940
                                                                  -----------         -----------
                                                                  $ 1,766,431         $ 1,785,473
                                                                  ===========         ===========
</TABLE>

            See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements.

                                       3
<PAGE>   4
                           AMERICA WEST AIRLINES, INC.
                       CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                      (IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
                                   (UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                   MARCH 31,
                                                            2001              2000
                                                            ----              ----
<S>                                                      <C>               <C>
Operating revenues:
    Passenger ...................................        $ 552,766         $ 515,067
    Cargo .......................................            9,998             9,935
    Other .......................................           14,243            19,886
                                                         ---------         ---------

        Total operating revenues ................          577,007           544,888
                                                         ---------         ---------

Operating expenses:
    Salaries and related costs ..................          148,480           130,680
    Aircraft rents ..............................           87,878            79,171
    Other rents and landing fees ................           35,373            30,180
    Aircraft fuel ...............................          101,434            75,692
    Agency commissions ..........................           23,305            22,470
    Aircraft maintenance materials and repairs ..           65,164            63,082
    Depreciation and amortization ...............           14,518            13,000
    Amortization of excess reorganization value .            4,974             4,974
    Other .......................................          121,173           113,786
                                                         ---------         ---------

        Total operating expenses ................          602,299           533,035
                                                         ---------         ---------

Operating income (loss) .........................          (25,292)           11,853
                                                         ---------         ---------

Nonoperating income (expenses):
    Interest income .............................            5,201             4,341
    Interest expense, net .......................           (7,180)           (5,802)
    Gain on sale of investment ..................               --            15,515
    Other, net ..................................              253             1,422
                                                         ---------         ---------

        Total nonoperating income (expenses), net           (1,726)           15,476
                                                         ---------         ---------

Income (loss) before income taxes ...............          (27,018)           27,329
                                                         ---------         ---------

Income taxes (benefit) ..........................          (13,964)           11,821
                                                         ---------         ---------

Net income (loss) ...............................        $ (13,054)        $  15,508
                                                         =========         =========
</TABLE>

            See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements.

                                       4
<PAGE>   5
                           AMERICA WEST AIRLINES, INC.
                       CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
                                   (UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                          MARCH 31,
                                                                   2001              2000
                                                                   ----              ----
<S>                                                             <C>               <C>
Net cash provided by operating activities ..............        $  65,130         $  50,369

Cash flows from investing activities:
    Purchases of property and equipment ................         (111,765)          (47,078)
    Sales (purchases) of short-term investments ........          (16,949)           15,617
    Proceeds from sale and leaseback of aircraft .......           53,538                --
    Equipment purchase deposits and other ..............            5,000               580
                                                                ---------         ---------
        Net cash used in investing activities ..........          (70,176)          (30,881)
                                                                ---------         ---------

Cash flows from financing activities:
    Repayment of debt ..................................         (120,238)           (4,472)
    Proceeds from issuance of debt .....................           49,422                --
                                                                ---------         ---------
        Net cash used in financing activities ..........          (70,816)           (4,472)
                                                                ---------         ---------

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents ...          (75,862)           15,016
                                                                ---------         ---------

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period .......          139,150           105,545
                                                                ---------         ---------

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period .............        $  63,288         $ 120,561
                                                                =========         =========

Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments at end
     of period .........................................        $ 130,924         $ 120,561
                                                                =========         =========

Cash paid for:
    Interest, net of amounts capitalized ...............        $   8,414         $   6,628
                                                                =========         =========
    Income taxes .......................................        $      22         $   1,393
                                                                =========         =========

Non-cash financing activities:
    Notes payable canceled under the aircraft
         purchase agreement ............................        $  10,500         $   7,000
                                                                =========         =========
    Notes payable issued for equipment purchase deposits        $      --         $  14,000
                                                                =========         =========
</TABLE>

            See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements.

                                       5
<PAGE>   6
                           AMERICA WEST AIRLINES, INC.
                     NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                 MARCH 31, 2001


1.     BASIS OF PRESENTATION

         The unaudited condensed financial statements included herein have been
prepared by America West Airlines, Inc., ("AWA" or the "Company"), a wholly
owned subsidiary of America West Holdings Corporation ("Holdings") pursuant to
the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and in
accordance with those rules and regulations, certain information and footnotes
required by generally accepted accounting principles have been omitted. In the
opinion of management, the condensed financial statements reflect all
adjustments, which are of a normal recurring nature, necessary for a fair
presentation. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform with
current year presentation. The accompanying condensed financial statements
should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and related notes
thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2000.

2.     ADVANCES TO PARENT COMPANY AND AFFILIATE

         As of March 31, 2001, AWA had net advances to Holdings of $258.0
million. In addition, AWA had net advances of $12.4 million to The Leisure
Company ("TLC"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Holdings.

3.      FLIGHT EQUIPMENT

         In January 2001 AWA borrowed $49.4 million from the America West
Airlines 2000-1 Pass Through Trusts to fund the acquisition of two new A319
Airbus aircraft. In March 2001 AWA entered into a sale/leaseback transaction
whereby the Company sold these aircraft, resulting in a $9.6 million gain. This
gain was deferred and is being amortized over the term of the operating leases,
which approximate 22 years, as a reduction in rent expense.

         In the first quarter of 2001, AWA also entered into an aircraft lease
arrangement for one new A320 aircraft with a lease term of 22 years.

4.      ADOPTION OF NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARD

         On January 1, 2001 AWA adopted SFAS 133, "Accounting for Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities," which established accounting and reporting
standards for all derivative instruments and hedging activities. SFAS No. 133
requires recognition of all derivatives as either assets or liabilities in the
balance sheet at fair value. If certain conditions are met, a derivative may be
specifically designated as a hedge of the exposure to changes in the fair value
of a recognized asset or liability or an unrecognized firm commitment ("fair
value hedge"), a hedge of the exposure to variable cash flows of a forecasted
transaction ("cash flow hedge"), or a hedge of the foreign currency exposure
("foreign currency hedge") of a net investment in a foreign operation or a
foreign currency-denominated forecasted transaction. The accounting for changes
in the fair value of a derivative (that is, gains and losses) depends on the
intended use of the derivative and the resulting designation. In accounting for
a fair value hedge, the derivative hedging instrument will be measured at fair
value with the mark to fair value being recorded in earnings. In a cash flow
hedge, the derivative hedging instrument will be measured at fair value with the
effective portion of the gains or losses on the derivative hedging instrument
initially being reported in other comprehensive income.

         AWA's fuel hedging contracts qualify as cash flow hedges, as they hedge
exposure to variable cash flows of forecasted transactions. Upon adoption of
SFAS 133, AWA recorded the fair market value of these hedging contracts as a net
obligation of $2.4 million on the Company's balance sheet. In accordance with
SFAS 133, AWA recorded a loss of $1.7 million, net of taxes of $0.7 million, in
other comprehensive income. The adoption of SFAS 133 did not have a material
effect on AWA's results of operations.

         As of March 31, 2001, the fair market value of AWA's fuel hedging
contracts was relatively unchanged from January 1, 2001.

                                       6
<PAGE>   7
                           AMERICA WEST AIRLINES, INC.
                     NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                 MARCH 31, 2001


5.      COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

         Comprehensive income (loss) includes changes in the fair value of
derivative financial instruments which qualify for hedge accounting. (See Note
4, "Adoption of New Accounting Standard".) During the first quarter of 2001, the
Company recorded a total comprehensive loss of $14.8 million. The difference
between net loss and comprehensive loss for the three months ended March 31,
2001 is detailed in the following table:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                   MARCH 31, 2001
                                                   --------------
                                                   (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                              <C>
Net loss ....................................        $(13,054)
                                                     --------

   Unrealized loss on derivative instruments,
       net of deferred taxes ................          (1,720)
                                                     --------

Comprehensive loss ..........................        $(14,774)
                                                     ========
</TABLE>


6.      CODESHARE AGREEMENTS

         In March 2001 AWA restructured its codeshare agreement with Mesa
Airlines to expand regional flying in the western United States under the
America West Express banner. AWA also entered into a new partnership with
Chautauqua Airlines for regional codesharing as America West Express in the
eastern United States. Under these agreements, the America West Express regional
fleet will increase to 77 jet aircraft by 2005 with options for further
expansion to as many as 129 aircraft. The new regional jets will be used to grow
AWA's service from its three primary hubs in Phoenix, Las Vegas and Columbus,
Ohio. In February 2001 AWA also entered into a codeshare agreement with Big Sky
Airlines, expanding AWA's route structure with service to 20 new markets in
Montana, Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas.

7.     SEGMENT DISCLOSURES

         AWA is one reportable operating segment. Accordingly, the segment
reporting financial data required by Statements of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 131, "Disclosures About Segments of an Enterprise and Related
Information" is included in the accompanying balance sheets and statements of
operations.

8.     SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Cost Reduction Plan

         In April 2001 AWA announced a cost reduction plan to respond to a
softening economy. The plan includes significant reductions in overhead due in
part to select reductions-in-force of management, administrative and clerical
personnel, and a slowing of the airline's growth through the return of five
older 737-300 leased aircraft to the lessor in the fourth quarter of 2001
through the first quarter of 2002. (See "Cost Reduction Plan" in Item 2.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations.)

         The Company expects to record a pretax charge of approximately $15-20
million in the second quarter of 2001 related to the aircraft returns and
reductions-in-force.

EETC Financing Transaction

                                       7
<PAGE>   8
                           AMERICA WEST AIRLINES, INC.
                     NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                 MARCH 31, 2001


         In May 2001, AWA plans to establish the 2001-1 Pass Through Trusts.
These Trusts will issue Pass Through Trust Certificates for aggregate proceeds
of $427,164,300, which will be used to finance nine Airbus A319 aircraft and
five Airbus A320 aircraft. The combined effective interest rate on the financing
has not been established and will depend on various factors, including the
ratings of the Pass Through Trust Certificates and prevailing interest rates.
The Pass Through Trust Certificates will be issued by separate trusts that will
hold equipment notes issued upon delivery of each financed aircraft. The
equipment notes will be secured by a security interest in the aircraft. The
equipment notes will be issued in connection with either a leveraged lease
financing or a mortgage financing of the relevant aircraft, at AWA's election.
The Pass Through Trust Certificates will not be direct obligations of, nor
guaranteed by, AWA. The aircraft to be financed are expected to be delivered to
AWA between May 2001 and May 2002. The Company has obtained bridge financing
from a third party to finance delivery of the first aircraft in May 2001, in the
event proceeds from the offering are not available at the time of delivery.

                                       8
<PAGE>   9
                           AMERICA WEST AIRLINES, INC.
                                 MARCH 31, 2001


ITEM 2.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
         OF OPERATIONS

SUMMARY OF FINANCIAL RESULTS

         America West recorded a net loss of $13.1 million in the first quarter
of 2001, as compared to net income of $15.5 million in the first quarter of
2000. The decline in earnings was largely due to a softening economy and a 34%
or $25.7 million year-over-year increase in fuel costs. The average fuel price
for the 2001 first quarter was 92.3 cents per gallon as compared to 75.2 cents
in the first quarter of 2000. The 2001 results include an $11.0 million one-time
gain resulting from the settlement in March 2001 of a lawsuit related to an
air-to-ground telecommunication system that was previously written off. This
gain was substantially offset by higher expenses driven by adjustments to
amounts previously estimated by the Company. The 2000 results included a
nonoperating pretax gain of $15.5 million ($9.6 million after tax) from the sale
of Priceline.com equity in March 2000. Income tax benefit for financial
reporting purposes was $14.0 million in first quarter 2001 on a pretax loss of
$27.0 million. This compares to $11.8 million of tax expense in the first
quarter of 2000 on $27.3 million of pretax income.

OPERATIONS UPDATE

         Since July 2000 when AWA launched a series of customer service
initiatives to enhance its operational performance, the Company has made
significant improvement in a number of key service areas. Through the first
quarter of 2001, as reported to the Department of Transportation ("DOT"), AWA's
on-time performance improved to 68.7% compared with 64.7% in the same period of
2000. The percentage of flights cancelled dropped to 3% from 4.5%, due primarily
to a significant decrease in the number of maintenance-related cancellations
versus the first quarter 2000. AWA also posted a 20% year-over-year improvement
in mishandled baggage. As a result of these improvements, customer complaints to
the DOT dropped 50% compared with first quarter 2000.

COST REDUCTION PLAN

         In April 2001 AWA announced a cost reduction plan to respond to a
softening economy. The plan includes significant reductions in overhead and a
slowing of the airline's growth through the return of five older, leased
aircraft. As a result of these steps, AWA expects to reduce its annualized
expense budget by approximately $75 million. Capital spending will be reduced an
additional $25 million. The capital reductions will be realized in 2001 while
approximately $25 million of the $75 million of cost reduction are expected to
occur in 2001.

         The cost reductions include the following specific measures:

-        The return of five 737-300 aircraft to the lessor. These aircraft will
         be returned as the leases expire between September 2001 and January
         2002. The result will be a slowing of the growth of the airline from
         previously anticipated rates of 7-8% in 2001 and 5-6% in 2002 to 5-6%
         in 2001 and 1-2% in 2002.

-        Significant reductions in overhead, including a 10% reduction in
         management, administrative and clerical payroll, a 33% reduction in
         paid overtime, a reduction in advertising and the elimination of
         certain other discretionary expenses. The management, administrative
         and clerical payroll reduction will be accomplished through the
         combination of attrition, deferred hiring and select
         reductions-in-force.

         The Company expects to record a pretax charge of approximately $15-20
million in the second quarter of 2001 related to the aircraft returns and
reductions-in-force. The reductions are not expected to impact AWA's operational
improvement initiatives or passenger service levels.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

                                       9
<PAGE>   10
                           AMERICA WEST AIRLINES, INC.
                                 MARCH 31, 2001


         The following discussion provides an analysis of AWA's results of
operations for the first quarter of 2001 and material changes compared to the
first quarter of 2000.

         The table below sets forth selected operating data for AWA.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           THREE MONTHS ENDED        PERCENT
                                                                MARCH 31,            CHANGE
                                                          2001           2000      2001 - 2000
                                                          ----           ----      -----------
<S>                                                     <C>            <C>         <C>
Aircraft (end of period) .......................            141            125        12.8
Average daily aircraft utilization (hours) .....           10.8           11.1        (2.7)
Available seat miles (in millions) .............          7,056          6,489         8.7
Block hours (in thousands) .....................        136,680        124,964         9.4
Average stage length (miles) ...................            884            865         2.2
Revenue passenger miles (in millions) ..........          4,881          4,326        12.8
Load factor (percent) ..........................           69.2           66.7         2.5 points
Passenger enplanements (in thousands) ..........          5,104          4,612        10.7
Yield per revenue passenger mile (cents) .......          11.32          11.91        (5.0)
Revenue per available seat mile:
   Passenger (cents) ...........................           7.83           7.94        (1.4)
   Total (cents) ...............................           8.18           8.40        (2.6)
Fuel consumption (gallons in millions) .........          109.9          100.7         9.1
Average fuel price (cents per gallon) ..........           92.3           75.2        22.8
Average number of full-time equivalent employees         13,053         11,854        10.1
</TABLE>

         The table below sets forth the major components of operating cost per
available seat mile ("CASM") for AWA.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  THREE MONTHS ENDED      PERCENT
                                                       MARCH 31,          CHANGE
                                                   2001        2000     2001 - 2000
                                                   ----        ----     -----------
<S>                                               <C>          <C>      <C>
(in cents)
Salaries and related costs ................        2.10        2.01         4.5
Aircraft rents ............................        1.25        1.22         2.1
Other rents and landing fees ..............         .50         .46         7.8
Aircraft fuel .............................        1.44        1.17        23.2
Agency commissions ........................         .33         .35        (4.6)
Aircraft maintenance materials and repairs          .92         .97        (5.0)
Depreciation and amortization .............         .21         .20         2.7
Amortization of excess reorganization value         .07         .08        (8.0)
Other .....................................        1.72        1.75        (2.1)
                                                   ----        ----
                                                   8.54        8.21         4.0
                                                   ====        ====
</TABLE>

         For the three months ended March 31, 2001, AWA realized an operating
loss of $25.3 million compared to $11.9 million of operating income in last
year's first quarter.

         Total operating revenues for the 2001 first quarter were a record
$577.0 million. Passenger revenues were a record $552.8 million for the three
months ended March 31, 2001, an increase of $37.7 million or 7.3% from first

                                       10
<PAGE>   11
                           AMERICA WEST AIRLINES, INC.
                                 MARCH 31, 2001

quarter 2000. A 12.8% increase in revenue passenger miles ("RPMs") more than
offset an 8.7% increase in capacity as measured by available seat miles
("ASMs"), resulting in a 2.5 point increase in load factor (the percentage of
available seats that are filled with revenue passengers). Passenger revenue per
available seat mile ("RASM") for the quarter decreased 1.4% to 7.83 cents from
7.94 cents, driven by a 5.0% decrease in revenue per passenger mile ("yield")
due to an industry-wide decline in business travel. Cargo revenues were
relatively flat quarter-over-quarter while other revenues decreased 28.4% to
$14.2 million due primarily to the effect of higher fuel prices and other costs,
which reduced net revenues from AWA's code-sharing agreement with Mesa Airlines.

         CASM increased 4.0% to 8.54 cents in the first quarter of 2001 from
8.21 cents for the comparable 2000 period largely due to higher fuel prices.
Excluding fuel and tax, CASM increased 0.7%. Operating expenses increased $69.3
million in the first quarter of 2001 or 13.0% as compared to the 2000 first
quarter, while ASMs increased 8.7%. Significant changes in the components of
CASM are explained as follows:

-    Salaries and related costs per ASM increased 4.5% primarily due to a higher
     number of employees in the 2001 period to support anticipated growth. The
     average number of full time equivalent employees ("FTE") increased 10.1%
     quarter-over-quarter while ASMs increased only 8.7%. Average salaries and
     related costs per FTE increased 3.2% primarily due to a new collective
     bargaining agreement with the Company's fleet service workers, which was
     entered into in June 2000.

-    Aircraft rent expense per ASM increased 2.1% due to the net addition of 16
     leased aircraft to the fleet during the 2001 quarter as compared to 2000.

-    Other rents and landing fees expense per ASM increased 7.8% primarily due
     to higher landing fees ($3.1 million) and airport rentals ($2.0 million).

-    Aircraft fuel expense per ASM increased 23.2% due to a 22.8% increase in
     the average price paid by AWA per gallon of fuel to 92.3 cents in the 2001
     quarter from 75.2 cents in 2000.

-    Agency commissions expense per ASM decreased 4.6% as an increase in the
     percentage of non-commissionable revenue in the 2001 quarter, primarily due
     to increased usage of the Company's website and other lower cost
     distribution channels, more than offset the increase in commissions
     resulting from higher revenues in the first quarter of 2001.

-    Aircraft maintenance materials and repairs expense per ASM decreased 5.0%
     due primarily to the 8.7% increase in ASMs.

-    Depreciation and amortization expense per ASM increased 2.7% due primarily
     to an increase in airframe ($0.5 million) and rotable inventory ($0.4
     million) depreciation and aircraft leasehold improvement ($0.3 million)
     amortization expenses.

-    Amortization of excess reorganization value expense per ASM decreased 8.0%
     due to the 8.7% increase in ASMs.

-    Other operating expenses per ASM decreased 2.1% to 1.72 cents in the first
     quarter of 2001 from 1.75 cents in the 2000 first quarter primarily due to
     lower interrupted trip expense ($1.9 million) resulting from the airline's
     improved operating performance and the recovery of $11.0 million from the
     settlement of a lawsuit related to an air-to-ground telecommunication
     system that was previously written off. These decreases were offset in part
     by a $5.3 million quarter-over-quarter increase in computer reservation
     system booking fees.

         AWA had net nonoperating expenses of $1.7 million in the first quarter
of 2001 as compared to $15.5 million of net nonoperating income in the 2000
first quarter. The period-over-period change was primarily due to a

                                       11
<PAGE>   12
                           AMERICA WEST AIRLINES, INC.
                                 MARCH 31, 2001


$15.5 million gain on sale of 500,000 warrants to purchase common stock of
Priceline.com, Inc. in the first quarter of 2000.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

         Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments
decreased $58.9 million to $130.9 million at March 31, 2001 from $189.8 million
at December 31, 2000 as the Company repaid $66.5 million of debt under its
revolving credit facility. Net cash provided by operating activities increased
to $65.1 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2001 from $50.4 million in the
first quarter 2000 due principally to the period-over-period change in accounts
receivable as credit card sales and the associated receivables were higher in
the first quarter of 2000 as compared to first quarter of 2001. The 2000 period
also included an $18 million receivable associated with the sale of 500,000
warrants to purchase common stock of Priceline.com, Inc. This decrease in
receivable balances more than offset lower net income in the 2001 quarter. Net
cash used in investing activities increased to $70.2 million for the 2001 period
from $30.9 million for the 2000 period due principally to purchases of
short-term investments totaling $16.9 million in the 2001 period as compared to
sales of $15.6 million of short-term investments in 2000. Net cash used in
financing activities increased to $70.8 million for the 2001 first quarter from
$4.5 million in the 2000 period. The 2001 period included $49.4 million of
borrowing to fund the acquisition of two new A319 aircraft, which were
subsequently refinanced as the result of a sale/leaseback transaction in March
2001. (See Note 3, "Flight Equipment" in Notes to Condensed Financial
Statements.)

         Long-term debt maturities through 2003 consist primarily of principal
amortization of notes payable secured by certain of AWA's aircraft and, in 2001,
the net $44.9 million borrowing under the revolving credit facility. Such
maturities are $88.9 million, $9.7 million and $9.7 million, respectively, for
the remainder of 2001, 2002 and 2003. Management expects to fund the remaining
long-term debt maturities with cash from operations or by refinancing the
underlying obligations, subject to availability and market conditions.

         At March 31, 2001 AWA had a commitment to AVSA S.A.R.L., an affiliate
of Airbus Industrie ("AVSA"), to purchase a total of 36 Airbus aircraft, with 11
remaining to be delivered in 2001. AWA also has 17 options and 25 purchase
rights to purchase aircraft in the "A320" family of aircraft (A318s, A319s,
A320s and A321s) for delivery in 2005 through 2008. The aggregate cost of firm
commitments remaining under the aircraft order is approximately $1.4 billion.

         In July 2000 America West Airlines 2000-1 Pass Through Trusts issued
$253.3 million of Pass Through Trust Certificates in connection with the
financing of eight Airbus A319 aircraft and two Airbus A320 aircraft to be
purchased from AVSA. The Pass Through Trust Certificates are not direct
obligations of, nor guaranteed by, AWA. The combined effective interest rate on
the financing is 8.49%. Six A319 and one A320 aircraft that are the subject of
this financing were delivered in 2000. The remaining three aircraft were
delivered in the first quarter of 2001.

         AWA intends to seek additional financing (which may include public debt
financing or private financing) in the future when and as appropriate to support
these aircraft orders. There can be no assurance that sufficient funding will be
obtained for all aircraft. A default by AWA under the AVSA purchase commitment
could have a material adverse effect on AWA.

         In January 2001 AWA entered into a development agreement and ground
lease with the City of Phoenix pursuant to which AWA will construct, lease and
operate a flight operations and training facility on land located on the
northwest corner of Interstate 10 and Buckeye Road and adjacent to Phoenix Sky
Harbor International Airport. The initial lease term is 20 years with two
five-year extension options. The facility will contain 164,000 square feet and
be comprised of pilot and in-flight training facilities, systems and maintenance
operations control, and crew scheduling. The estimated cost to design and
construct the facility is $35 million.

         AWA has in place a $125 million senior secured revolving credit
facility with a group of financial institutions that will expire in 2002. The
credit agreement is secured by certain assets of AWA. As of December 31,

                                       12
<PAGE>   13
                           AMERICA WEST AIRLINES, INC.
                                 MARCH 31, 2001


2000, AWA had drawn $111.3 million to provide additional working capital during
the first quarter of 2001 when revenues tend to be lower due to seasonal
fluctuations in the demand for air travel. AWA repaid $66.5 million of credit
facility debt in the first quarter of 2001.

         In April 2001 Moody's Investors Service downgraded its credit and debt
ratings of AWA and placed the Company on negative rating outlook. The rating
actions reflect that despite recent improvement in its operating performance,
AWA continues to face business challenges and the potential exists for continued
earnings and cash flow pressures due to declining yields and a cost structure
under pressure from operations and fuel expenses. As a result of the rating
actions and negative outlook, the cost to AWA of obtaining capital from external
sources is likely to increase.

         In May 2001, AWA plans to establish the 2001-1 Pass Through Trusts.
These Trusts will issue Pass Through Trust Certificates for aggregate proceeds
of $427,164,300, which will be used to finance nine Airbus A319 aircraft and
five Airbus A320 aircraft. The combined effective interest rate on the financing
has not been established and will depend on various factors, including the
ratings of the Pass Through Trust Certificates and prevailing interest rates.
The Pass Through Trust Certificates will be issued by separate trusts that will
hold equipment notes issued upon delivery of each financed aircraft. The
equipment notes will be secured by a security interest in the aircraft. The
equipment notes will be issued in connection with either a leveraged lease
financing or a mortgage financing of the relevant aircraft, at AWA's election.
The Pass Through Trust Certificates will not be direct obligations of, nor
guaranteed by, AWA. The aircraft to be financed are expected to be delivered to
AWA between May 2001 and May 2002. The Company has obtained bridge financing
from a third party to finance delivery of the first aircraft in May 2001, in the
event proceeds from the offering are not available at the time of delivery.

         Capital expenditures for the quarters ended March 31, 2001 and 2000
were approximately $111.8 million and $47.1 million, respectively. Included in
these amounts are capital expenditures for capitalized maintenance of
approximately $21.6 million for the first quarter of 2001 and $30.0 million for
the first quarter of 2000.

         Certain of AWA's long-term debt agreements contain minimum cash balance
requirements, leverage ratios, coverage ratios and other financial covenants
with which AWA was in compliance at March 31, 2001. Certain of these financial
covenants restrict the Company's ability to pay cash dividends on its common
stock and make certain other restricted payments (as defined therein). Under
these restrictions, as of March 31, 2001, the Company's ability to pay
dividends, together with any other restricted payments, would be limited.

OTHER INFORMATION

LABOR RELATIONS

         The Company is in the process of negotiating with the Airline Pilots
Association ("ALPA") on a new contract for AWA's pilots. The existing contract
with ALPA became amendable in May 2000. In addition, the Company is in
negotiations with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters ("IBT") on a first
contract covering the Company's stock clerks, a work group of approximately 60
employees. The Company cannot predict the terms of these future collective
bargaining agreements and therefore the effect, if any, on AWA's operations or
financial performance.

         On January 22, 2001, the Transportation Workers Union ("TWU") filed an
Application for Investigation of Representation Dispute with the National
Mediation Board ("NMB"), seeking to represent approximately 4,000 passenger
service representatives and reservations agents. On March 20, 2001, that
application was dismissed by the NMB due to an insufficient showing of interest.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

                                       13
<PAGE>   14
                           AMERICA WEST AIRLINES, INC.
                                 MARCH 31, 2001


         The air travel business historically fluctuates in response to general
economic conditions. The airline industry is sensitive to changes in economic
conditions that affect business and leisure travel and is highly susceptible to
unforeseen events that result in declines in air travel, such as political
instability, regional hostilities, recession, fuel price escalation, inflation,
adverse weather conditions, consumer preferences, labor instability or
regulatory oversight. The Company's results of operations for interim periods
are not necessarily indicative of those for an entire year, because the travel
business is subject to seasonal fluctuations. Due to the greater demand for air
and leisure travel during the summer months, revenues in the airline and leisure
travel industries in the second and third quarters of the year tend to be
greater than revenues in the first and fourth quarters of the year.

         This discussion contains various forward-looking statements and
information that are based on management's beliefs as well as assumptions made
by and information currently available to management. When used in this
document, the words "anticipate", "estimate", "project", "expect" and similar
expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements
are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Should one or more
of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions
prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those anticipated,
estimated, projected or expected. In addition to the factors identified above,
among the key factors that may have a direct bearing on the Company's results
are competitive practices in the airline and travel industries generally and
particularly in the Company's principal markets, the ability of the Company to
meet existing financial obligations in the event of adverse industry or economic
conditions or to obtain additional capital to fund future commitments and
expansion, the Company's relationship with employees and the terms of future
collective bargaining agreements and the impact of current and future laws and
governmental regulations affecting the airline and travel industries and the
Company's operations. For additional discussion of such risks see "Business -
Risk Factors," included in Item 1 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 2000 which is on file with the Securities and
Exchange Commission. Any forward-looking statements speak only as of the date
such statements are made.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

MARKET RISK SENSITIVE INSTRUMENTS

(a)   Commodity Price Risk

         As of March 31, 2001 the Company had entered into costless collar
transactions, which establish an upper and lower limit on heating oil futures
prices. These transactions are in place with respect to approximately 36% of
2001 projected fuel requirements, including 60% related to the second quarter
2001, 30% related to the third quarter 2001 and 20% related to the fourth
quarter 2001. The use of such transactions in the Company's fuel hedging program
could result in the Company not fully benefiting from certain declines in
heating oil futures prices. At March 31, 2001 the Company estimates that a 10%
increase in heating oil futures prices would have changed the fair value of the
costless collars by approximately $1.0 million while a 10% decrease in heating
oil futures prices would have changed the fair value by approximately $2.9
million.

         As of April 27, 2001 approximately 36% of AWA's remaining 2001 fuel
requirements are hedged.

(b)      Interest Rate Risk

         The Company's exposure to interest rate risk relates primarily to its
variable rate long-term debt obligations. At March 31, 2001 the Company's
variable-rate long-term debt obligations of approximately $63.5 million
represented approximately 44.9% of its total long-term debt. If interest rates
increased 10% in 2001, the impact on the Company's results of operations would
not be material.

                                       14
<PAGE>   15
                           AMERICA WEST AIRLINES, INC.
                                 MARCH 31, 2001


PART II - OTHER INFORMATION


ITEM 6.   EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

            a.    Exhibits

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  EXHIBIT
                  NUMBER         DESCRIPTION AND METHOD OF FILING
                  ------         --------------------------------
<S>                              <C>
                  *10.21            Amended and Restated America West 1994 Incentive Equity Plan.

                  *10.44            Disposition and Redevelopment Agreement,
                                    dated as of February 5, 2001, between AWA
                                    and the City of Phoenix, AZ.

                  *10.45(1)         Unsubordinated Ground Lease, dated as of
                                    February 5, 2001, between AWA and the City
                                    of Phoenix, AZ.

                  *10.46(1)         Code Share and Revenue Sharing Agreement,
                                    dated as of March 20, 2001, between AWA and
                                    Mesa Airlines, Inc.

                                    -----
                  *                 Filed herewith.

                  (1)               The Company has sought confidential treatment for portions of the
                                    referenced exhibits.
</TABLE>

            b.    Reports on Form 8-K

                  Holdings filed a Report on Form 8-K, dated March 20, 2001,
                  furnishing under Item 9 a press release, dated March 20, 2001,
                  setting forth certain data regarding AWA's fleet plan, unit
                  costs, operating statistics, fuel and performance statistics.


                                       15
<PAGE>   16
                           AMERICA WEST AIRLINES, INC.
                                 MARCH 31, 2001





                                    SIGNATURE



         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/ Thomas K. MacGillivray
                                                 -------------------------------
                                               Thomas K. MacGillivray
                                               Senior Vice President and Chief
                                               Financial Officer

DATED:   May 8, 2001


                                       16
<PAGE>   17
                           AMERICA WEST AIRLINES, INC.
                                 MARCH 31, 2001



                                  EXHIBIT INDEX


            a.    Exhibits

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  EXHIBIT
                  NUMBER         DESCRIPTION AND METHOD OF FILING
                  ------         --------------------------------
<S>                              <C>
                  *10.21            Amended and Restated America West 1994 Incentive Equity Plan.

                  *10.44            Disposition and Redevelopment Agreement,
                                    dated as of February 5, 2001, between AWA
                                    and the City of Phoenix, AZ.

                  *10.45(1)         Unsubordinated Ground Lease, dated as of
                                    February 5, 2001, between AWA and the City
                                    of Phoenix, AZ.

                  *10.46(1)         Code Share and Revenue Sharing Agreement,
                                    dated as of March 20, 2001, between AWA and
                                    Mesa Airlines, Inc.

                                    -----
                  *                 Filed herewith.

                  (1)               The Company has sought confidential treatment for portions of the
                                    referenced exhibits.
</TABLE>

            b.    Reports on Form 8-K

                  Holdings filed a Report on Form 8-K, dated March 20, 2001,
                  furnishing under Item 9 a press release, dated March 20, 2001,
                  setting forth certain data regarding AWA's fleet plan, unit
                  costs, operating statistics, fuel and performance statistics.


                                       17