U.S. Airways' Tailspin

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Scarcely more than one year after emerging from bankruptcy, U.S. Airways (Nasdaq: UAIR) looks to be flying on a wing and a prayer.

Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) is challenging the company in Philadelphia, a main hub. On Wednesday, Standard & Poor's downgraded U.S. Airways' credit rating, putting a financing agreement with General Electric (NYSE: GE) to buy 170 regional jets from Bombardier and Embraer (NYSE: ERJ) in jeopardy. Finally, in its most recent quarterly report, the company warned that it is again considering "judicial restructuring," or bankruptcy. The company's good news? It lost $177 million in the first quarter, less than analysts expected.

To stop its tailspin, U.S. Airways is rushing to put its strategic plan in place. It recently introduced a simplified fare structure in Philadelphia, called GoFares. The new scheme eliminates the need for weekend stays and round-trip purchases. In addition, the firm's intention to build out its regional jet service into lower density markets makes a lot of sense.

Still, it seems doubtful that U.S. Airways can avoid Chapter 11. In addition to changes in marketing and distribution, a key element in its cost-cutting agenda is to negotiate more compensation reductions with union employees. During bankruptcy, the firm managed to wrangle huge concessions out of workers. As a result, it's unlikely that its employees are in the mood to suffer another wave of pay decreases.

With the high price of fuel dogging the industry, only the strongest will survive. For U.S. Airways, that will probably mean a white surrender flag will soon replace its American flag logo.

Interested in an airline that's not flirting with Chapter 11? David Gardner recommended one for Motley Fool Stock Advisor subscribers. Sign up risk-free for six months to learn more.

Fool contributor Brian Gorman is a freelance writer living in Chicago, Ill. He does not own shares of any companies mentioned here.