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July 26, 2005
A federal panel on Friday approved a bid by US Airways and
America West to merge, clearing a hurdle to the companies' goal of combining to
compete against lower-cost rivals.
The federal Air Transportation Stabilization Board said the proposed merger
should better both airlines' competitiveness in a challenging industry
environment.
US Airways Group, based in Arlington, Va., is the nation's seventh largest
carrier. America West of Tempe, Ariz., is the eighth largest. The companies
announced their intention to merge in May.
The deal, which has gotten a green light from the Justice Department, still must
be cleared by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Alexandria, Va.
The merger with America West is designed to provide the final investment
necessary to allow US Airways to emerge from bankruptcy.
The companies say they are on track to complete all regulatory and court
requirements and to close on the merger by late September or early October.
America West Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Doug Parker hailed the board's
decision, saying it continues the positive momentum for our planned merger and
brings us one step closer to building a stable future for our airlines.
US Airways President and Chief Executive Officer Bruce R. Lakefield said the
action will enable the new US Airways to become a stronger and more viable
airline.
US Airways has a strong presence on the East Coast and in the Caribbean, while
America West operates across the West. The goal is to form a stronger airline to
compete with lower-cost rivals such as Southwest Airlines and JetBlue Airways.
If the combination is ultimately cleared, the new company will fly under the US
Airways name, which enjoys far better recognition among East Coast business
travelers, the companies have said.
The two carriers have received federal loan guarantees from the Air
Transportation Stabilization Board. Because of that, the federal panel had a
role in reviewing the merger.
The ATSB has negotiated new loan terms that materially improve the collateral
position of the board, reducing the risk to the taxpayers under the existing
loan guarantees, the board said in a statement.
The board was established by Congress to oversee a $10 billion loan program,
part of an airline industry bailout after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
This article originally appeared on the Associated Press
wire on July 22, 2005.
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