A different kind of aerial battle

Among the Carolina-Arizona connections that we'll explore this week, one of the most obvious is US Airways, which is based near Phoenix and is Charlotte's dominant carrier. Tomorrow's print edition will have more on the US Airways link, but here's another aspect that could result in some fun -- or tension, depending on the growing trash talk.

Going back to its America West days, US Airways has a habit of painting planes with the logos and colors of pro teams in its hub cities. With the NFL, the Arizona Cardinals were the first team honored, and in 2007 the airline unveiled a Carolina Panthers plane decked out in blue, black and silver at the Charlotte airport.

Here's the thing, though: Neither plane is tethered to the team's hometown airport. Each Airbus -- which carries about 120 passengers -- flies as part of US Airways' regular domestic fleet. As an airline spokesman said when the Panthers plane was being done, "It goes wherever it needs to go."

So you're just as likely to see the Cardinals plane sitting at the Charlotte airport as the Panthers plane. I know I have, and I'll be curious to see if the Cards jet touches down anytime this week before Saturday's big game.

US Airways spokeswoman Michelle Mohr said she's checking if the Panthers and Cardinals planes will be re-routed to take advantage of Saturday's game. In general, she said, "we certainly try to route them into cities. "

And get this: The fun could continue next week if the Panthers win. US Airways also has planes painted with the logos and colors of the Philadelphia Eagles and the Pittsburgh Steelers -- both of which are still alive in the playoffs.

"Coincidence?" Mohr said. "I think not."