Airline CEO, Fla. AG meet to discuss proposed merger

MIAMI (Legal Newsline) — Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi met Friday with the chairman and CEO of one of the airlines at the center of a federal lawsuit over the proposed American Airlines and US Airways merger.

In a statement, Bondi called the face-to-face meeting with Tom Horton, chairman and CEO of American Airlines, “extremely productive.”

“We are both hopeful that we will reach a timely resolution to benefit the residents of Miami and all Floridians and travelers to Florida,” she said.

“We look forward to a thriving American Airlines that not only keeps but will create many jobs in our great state.”

In February, the boards of directors of both AMR Corp., the parent company of American Airlines Inc., and US Airways Group Inc. unanimously approved a definitive merger agreement under which the companies will combine to a create a “premier global carrier” that will have an implied combined equity value of about $11 billion — based on the price of US Airways’ stock as of Feb. 13.

In August, a coalition of six states, the U.S. Department of Justice Antitrust Division and the District of Columbia filed a federal court complaint challenging the merger, which would make the combined airline the largest worldwide carrier.

The complaint alleges reducing the number of major airlines from five to four would make fare and fee increases easier, and would make airlines even more profitable than they already are.

The six states are: Arizona, Florida, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia.

Texas has since settled with the airlines. In recent months, Bondi has been pressured by the state’s federal lawmakers to back the merger.

American Airlines has said the combined airline — which will be called American Airlines — will offer more than 6,700 daily flights to 336 destinations in 56 countries and is expected to maintain all hubs currently served by both airlines, resulting in more travel options for customers.

The company will be headquartered in Dallas-Fort Worth, but will maintain a “significant corporate and operational presence” in Phoenix.

“The combined airline will have the scale, breadth and capabilities to compete more effectively and profitably in the global marketplace,” Doug Parker, chairman and chief executive officer of US Airways, said in February.

“Our combined network will provide a significantly more attractive offering to customers, ensuring that we are always able to take them where they want to travel, when they want to go.”

The merger was set to close in September, but still needs government regulatory approval.

Both companies have since agreed to extend the deadline for completing the $14 billion merger to at least Jan. 18.

Last week, two people familiar with the federal suit told Bloomberg that the airlines are in “exploratory talks” with the DOJ about setting the lawsuit.

From Legal Newsline: Reach Jessica Karmasek by email at jessica@legalnewsline.com.