US Airways cutting in-flight movies to save fuel

Removing 500-lb movie systems will save $10 million annually, airline says

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updated 7:46 a.m. ET July 10, 2008

TEMPE, Arizona - Better bring a book on flights.

US Airways will start removing in-flight entertainment systems on domestic flights in November to save about $10 million annually in fuel and other costs, the airline said.

The movie systems weigh about 500 pounds each, forcing planes to use more fuel to get around the country, spokesman Phil Gee said.

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Jet fuel costs have skyrocketed in recent years, slashing profits and leading to thousands of layoffs and flight cuts throughout the industry.

Gee said US Airways will cut the movie systems from about 200 aircraft. But it will keep movies in its widebody aircraft for international flights and trips to Hawaii.

US Airways will test a lighter, seat-back TV system later this year. However, Gee said a new entertainment system is a long way off.