NEW YORK -- US Airways says it swung to a loss in the first quarter, punished like other airlines by the rising cost of jet fuel.

The carrier says it lost $236 million, or $2.56 per share, on revenue of $2.84 billion. That compares with a profit of $66 million or 70 cents per share a year earlier.

Thomson Financial says analysts expected a loss of $2.64 per share on revenue of $2.84 billion.

US Airways also says it is taking steps to improve its cash position, including an amendment to its credit card processing agreement that will free up capital.