(TEMPE) -- US Airways ranked first in baggage handling for 2010 among the major network carriers, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s December 2010 Air Travel Consumer Report. The airline’s 2.6 mishandled bags per 1,000 passengers ratio for 2010 was US Airways’ best baggage handling performance in company history.

“Our employees will share another Triple Play payout, which gives $50 to each employee, and brings the total amount distributed among employees in 2010 to $24 million,” said US Airways’ Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Doug Parker.

The airline, with its largest hub in Charlotte, also ranked first in baggage handling in December and the fourth quarter among competitors such as American, Continental, Delta and United.  "Only three years ago we were near the bottom, is a story about focus, hard work, and tenacity," said Parker.

US Airways employees each earned $650 in incentive payouts in 2010. This amounts to $24 million system-wide.