US Airways narrows 4Q loss

US Airways Group Inc. reported a $79 million loss for the final three months of 2009, but, like other carriers, sees positive momentum this year.

It also said Thursday it significantly reduced its 2010 and 2011 capital commitments, in part by deferring most new aircraft deliveries.

The carrier, based in Tempe, Arizona, said its fourth-quarter loss equaled 49 cents a share, compared to a loss of $543 million, or $4.76 a share, for the same period in 2008.

Without special items the fourth-quarter loss was 20 cents a share.

Revenue in the quarter fell 4.9 percent to $2.63 billion from $2.76 billion a year earlier.

Analysts surveyed …