Eastshore Aviation, LLC provided US Airways $125M in exit financing for their emergence from bankruptcy, in exchange for a 10 year, 70 airplane contract for Air Wisconsin and the $125M in stock when LCC had their IPO.

The Amigos (the guys behind Eastshore and AWAC's owners) turned their $125M into somewhere near $400M. I'd say that's a pretty smart investment, no?

Additionally, when US was trying to emerge from BK Republic purchased the assets of MidAtlantic in exchange for a long-term contract and more 170/175s. The concept was basically the same: invest into US Airways now to make a lot more total money over the life of the contract.

Bedford and Heller aren't idiots, they're going to find a way to make money on ANY deal they sign.