US Airways Group reported a slightly improved first-quarter net profit of $66 million

despite what it called an "extremely difficult" quarter marked by two major storms and disruptions from a reservation system conversion. Operating revenues grew 3.8 percent while expenses increased 4.4 percent. Separately, the carrier announced customer service initiatives including staffing growth, airport check-in kiosk replacements and by June the elimination of the $25 standby fee for top members of its frequent flyer program.