Judge: Airline-merger trial to start in November
By Staff and Wire Reports on Aug 30, 2013, at 11:04 AM Updated on 8/30/13 at 11:31 AM
American Airlines
Some travelers will encounter the most tangible evidence of the reboot of American Airlines on Monday when the airline begins flying its first Airbus A319 jets.
The American Airlines bankruptcy judge issued a written opinion Friday stating that he took the financial sacrifices made by union members into account when rejecting a $20 million severance deal for CEO Tom Horton.
WASHINGTON — A federal judge says a trial over the government’s lawsuit to block the proposed merger of American Airlines and US Airways will start Nov. 25, a timetable favored by the airlines.
The U.S. Justice Department wanted the trial to start in March, saying it needs more time to prepare for the complex case. The airlines say a long delay would threaten their merger.
U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly said in court Friday that March was “too far off.”
The companies were close to completing a merger to create the world’s biggest airline, but the Justice Department and six states sued this month to block the deal. They say it would reduce competition and lead to higher prices for travelers.
American Airlines is one of Tulsa's largest private employers with about 6,300 employees, most at the company's primary overhaul and maintenance facility near Tulsa International Airport.
“We are confident in our case and eager to get to Court," American Airlines and US Airways officials said in a joint statement Friday. "We are pleased to have a trial date that will enable us to resolve this litigation in a reasonable timeframe. We want the opportunity to compete together to enhance competition with the largest airlines in the U.S. – United, Delta and Southwest – and a number of fast-growing low-cost carriers. We look forward to making the case for the new American Airlines beginning on Nov. 25"
American Airlines
Some travelers will encounter the most tangible evidence of the reboot of American Airlines on Monday when the airline begins flying its first Airbus A319 jets.
The American Airlines bankruptcy judge issued a written opinion Friday stating that he took the financial sacrifices made by union members into account when rejecting a $20 million severance deal for CEO Tom Horton.
