American Airlines and US Airways file motion for 12-Nov-2013 trial date in antitrust case

AMR Corporation and US Airways filed (22-Aug-2013) a motion to set a trial date and a supporting brief in the US District Court for the District Of Columbia, in connection with the US Department of Justice's (DoJ) antitrust lawsuit against the companies. The carriers have requested a trial date of 12-Nov-2013, noting the DoJ's request for 180 days "would be unprecedented and unreasonable in the circumstances." AMR Corporation chairman, president and CEO Tom Horton said: "We strongly believe in the significant benefits the merger of American Airlines and US Airways will deliver to consumers, communities and employees. The people of American Airlines have worked extremely hard over the past two years to lead our company through a remarkable and successful restructuring and turnaround. After all of their contributions, we are ready to move forward with this merger. We look forward to beginning this trial in November so we can complete our journey toward building the new American and deliver on the promise of this merger." US Airways CEO Doug Parker added: "The new American Airlines is predicated on growth. This merger is the foundation of American's plan to exit bankruptcy and is the cornerstone of American's and US Airways' plan to form a more competitive and cost-effective airline to take on the country's largest air carriers - Delta, United Airlines, and Southwest - and a number of fast-growing low-cost carriers, including Virgin America, JetBlue, Spirit, and Allegiant. We are committed to resolving this litigation and, if necessary, will pursue all legal options in order to achieve this merger." [more - original PR]