Are regional airlines headed for a tumble?

[FN FAL]

So much for bypassing hubs...

Arlington, Va.-based US Airways pays six independently owned smaller airlines to fly many of its so-called express routes -- short hops on small planes that serve such smaller cities as Harrisburg, Erie and Johnstown. Those six airlines, plus four small carriers owned by US Airways, are the "spokes" that feed the Pittsburgh International hub.

The small planes, sporting US Airways' familiar navy and gray color scheme, account for 272 of the airline's daily flights. They also provide critical intrastate service.

All of that could fly away as US Airways abandons its hub model and transforms itself into a carrier that emulates low-fare leaders Southwest Airlines and JetBlue Airlines: point-to-point service on routes with high passenger volume.

"We're taking a look at the entire network," US Airways spokesman David Castelveter said.

US Airways needs only to cancel its contracts with the smaller airlines to end the relationship. The small carriers can continue flying the routes, but many wouldn't attract enough passengers without convenient connecting hub service at Pittsburgh International.

The process already has begun: US Airways no longer contracts with Colgan Air of Manassas, Va., to serve Lancaster. Colgan decided last year not to fly there on its own. On July 11, the scenario will be repeated at Arnold Palmer Regional Airport, near Latrobe in Westmoreland County. US Airways will pull the plug on its deal with Mesa Airlines of Phoenix, and Mesa won't continue the service. Other airports haven't lost all service, yet, but some destinations now are harder to reach and require two short flights, perhaps through Philadelphia International Airport. That's the case at Williamspor

The small carriers can continue flying the routes, but many wouldn't attract enough passengers without convenient connecting hub service at Pittsburgh International.