Schuette Successfully Negotiates Settlement with American Airlines and U.S. Airways, Protects Michig

Attorney General Bill Schuette today announced a settlement has been successfully negotiated with American Airlines and U.S. Airways regarding their proposed merger. As a result of the settlement, the 'New American Airlines' will maintain daily scheduled service at several airports across Michigan for at least the next five years, protecting widespread access to air transportation and the jobs that go along with that service.

"From the start, protecting Michigan residents' access to reliable, competitive air transportation has been my priority, and this agreement with American Airlines and U.S. Airways accomplishes that goal. This settlement preserves free-market competition, protects the jobs associated with that service, and retains key airline routes in Michigan," said Schuette. "I am pleased our negotiations resulted in a commitment to maintain daily flight service for Michigan families flying in-and-out of Michigan airports, a service especially important to our members of the military who depend upon reliable flights."

In September 2013, Schuette took legal action against American Airlines and U.S. Airways to address concerns that decreased competition would adversely impact Michigan markets, including the potential for reduced airline service to several of Michigan's smaller airports.

The settlement announced today requires that the merged airline maintain daily scheduled service in Michigan communities that currently have that service. Affected airports include: Detroit, Flint, Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids, Traverse City, and Marquette.

The settlement also includes several other components, including divestiture of slots at Reagan National Airport and New York LaGuardia, as well as divestiture of gates at various large hub airports around the country, including Boston Logan International, Chicago O'Hare, Dallas Love Field, Los Angeles International and Miami International.