US Airways on Friday said it would cut fares and restrictions on flights from Washington, DC's two airports as it competes with low-cost airlines in the region.

As an extension of its successful "GoFares" program, the airline is offering lower prices on 22 routes from Ronald Reagan National and Washington Dulles airports to cities such as Las Vegas and Orlando.

The airline, which is the largest airline operating out of Ronald Reagan National Airport, guarantees that fares will be as low as USD$79 each way, and will never exceed a one-way coach fare of USD$499. The airline hopes the fare cuts will attract more business travelers.

The airline launched its "GoFares" program in April, as it battles with low-cost carriers such as Southwest Airlines in Philadelphia and the recently introduced Independence Air in Washington.

"We recognized a long time ago that customers are no longer willing to pay the premium as in times past," said David Castelveter, a US Airways spokesman. "It's a permanent change to our fare structure, and they (GoFares) have done very well."

(Reuters)