PSA Promotional shot of the BAe-146 over SFO. (PSA)

Paul Barkley, after selling off PSA's smallest aircraft, belately realized that PSA needed a new smaller aircraft. He fell in love with the BAe-146, due to its planned economics and low acquisition cost. In addition, PSA could obtain the aircraft quickly as delivery slots were open from failed competitor Pacific Express.

Smiliner inagural brochure

Generally disliked by the employees, management christened the 146 the "Smiliner" and put them into service with much fanfare. Issues quickly arose with the aircraft, from the cramped 6-abreast cabin with little headroom, to the loud flaps and oil being sucked into the cabin. PSA was forced to reduce the seating to 5-abreast, making it much more comfortable for passengers.

The final fleet consisted of 24 airframes. After the USAir purchase, several aircraft were deemed redundant and sold off before the actual merger occurred. USAir continued to fly the fleet on the west coast until May 1991, when they were grounded in Mojave, CA. The fleet sat intact until 1996 when airframes started to fly out, primarily back to the UK and Europe.

A doctor once complained about the inability to hit the toilet bowl standing up inside the BAe's restrooms, prompting Judy James (director of communications) to construct a height-testing station aboard the aircraft (like Disneyland has.) If you were under 5' 5", you could use the bathroom.

Seating information
Passengers: 85 (final), 100 (Initial)	17 rows	Seat width: 19", 33" pitch	Non-smoking section: Rows 1-13