Coke edged out Pepsi as the official beverage of the merged America West-US Airways.
This involves an altered course for America West passengers, who previously were Pepsi drinkers.
The new airline also had to choose between Budweiser and Miller but went with Bud.
That was a much easier decision, however, because the soda contract is worth far more than beer.
The main reasons Coke got the business: price and distribution. Coke already is served on a majority of the merged airline’s flights.
Airline officials admitted the soda war was not of utmost importance because no travelers choose their carriers by what soft drinks are served.
Report by David Wilkening
