Announcement On American-US Airways Merger Might Come Thursday

[brooklynite]

Source: Aviation Pros

Feb. 12--A potential merger deal between American Airlines and US Airways remained in a holding pattern Monday, with an announcement possible Thursday, sources said Monday.

Still unresolved was AMR Chief Executive Tom Horton's role in a combined company, as well as his compensation package. He reportedly is being offered the title of nonexecutive chairman for a limited time.

The boards of directors for American's parent, AMR Corp., and US Airways are expected to meet Wednesday, The Wall Street Journal reported. The airlines are also discussing the makeup of a new board of directors, including the number of members and who will appoint them, the report said.

The sources, who are familiar with the negotiations but not authorized to speak publicly, cautioned that even though the parties want to reach an agreement by the end of the week, when a nondisclosure agreement with bondholders is scheduled to expire, negotiations could stretch out if the bondholders and others agree to an extension. Any deal would still need to be approved by AMR's Bankruptcy Court.

Read more: http://www.aviationpros.com/news/10878087/announcement-on-american-us-airways-merger-might-come-thursday?utm_source=AIRB+E-Newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=AVVDB130206004

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Bound to happen eventually.

[AndyA]

1. American needs to improve its customer service if it wants to survive

Or, perhaps they can adopt US Air's attitudes, not sure if they're better as I haven't flown US Air in a long time.

The last few times I've heard about someone that flew American, they experienced canceled flights (not due to weather), delayed flights, lost luggage, had to sit on dirty seats in the plane, delays due to equipment, gate changes that weren't posted at the gate, nor on the screens, and AA gate attendants at the next gate got surly and annoyed when passengers asked where the plane was after it had been moved to a different concourse, and flight attendants and gate personnel who acted like they couldn't possibly care less about the passengers on their flights.

I hope American does well for the sake of its employees, but perhaps better paid and more appreciated employees would do wonders for their attitudes, which might be a step in improving customer service.

[liberal N proud]

3. I avoid both American and US Air whenever possible

Last time I flew either airline was not a pleasant experience. This will be like the United/Continental merger, the worse of the two will ruin the best of the other in matters of service and flights offered.

Don't worry, when they are done, no one will be able to afford to fly anyway. A flight that cost $200 a couple of years ago not is over $600 and if you have to make a change, BAM.

After that, it is all:

[KeepItReal]

2. Consumers get screwed again by another airline merger

US Airways is a good source for low airfares - especially under 10 day advance bookings.

I fly a lot and US Air is always my fallback when United/Continental (another merger disaster), Delta and American have ridiculous prices (and Southwest, too).

[SoapBox]

4. Steer Clear!

Get ready for several years of disasters.

Management will say..."oh, we are ready to merge the Res systems!"...disaster.

Management will say..."oh, we are ready to start cross flying each other's equipment"...disaster.

Management will say..."oh, we are ready to merge the Frequent Flyer programs"...diaster (and screwed over).

Management will say..."oh, there will be no lay offs"...diaster (lay offs).

Management will say..."oh, the fares won't change and the service/frequency will stay the same"...diaster.

...and so it goes with the airline mergers.

Maybe we are eventually headed to the "Taco Bell" food-war winner syndrome?!? (...ya know, Total Recall?!)