Texas AG to withdraw from DoJ lawsuit against AMR and US Airways merger

AMR Corporation, US Airways and Texas attorney general Greg Abbot announced (01-Oct-2013) an agreement for Mr Abbott to withdraw his participation in the US Department of Justice's antitrust lawsuit against the merger. Under the terms of the agreement, the new American Airlines will maintain scheduled daily service to 22 airports in Texas, in addition to guarantees it will maintain its headquarters in the Dallas/Fort Worth area and continue to operate a large hub at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. AMR Corporation chairman, president and CEO Tom Horton said: "I'm pleased we were able to find common ground and gain the carefully considered support of the attorney general in our home state. This is an important step forward for American Airlines, for Texas, and for our customers and people of both American and US Airways. Texas has long played a lead role in our company's history, and this agreement is assurance of our commitment to maintain and enhance the outstanding levels of service and connectivity that the new American will provide to the citizens of Texas. This merger will enhance job security and career opportunities for our combined Texas based employee base of nearly 25,000." Mr Horton added: "We thank attorney general Abbott for his partnership in finding a solution and also thank the people of American and US Airways for their continued support of the merger." US Airways chairman and CEO Doug Parker stated: "We are grateful to have the support of attorney general Abbott. In addition, the support for the merger from the employees of American Airlines and US Airways has been overwhelming. This combination makes sense for our customers, employees and the communities we serve. We are dedicated to completing this merger on behalf of all of them." Mr Abbott said: "From the beginning, our focus has been on maintaining service to rural airports in Texas and protecting Texas jobs. Today's agreement ensures that thousands of jobs will remain in Texas and that Texans travelling by air, especially those who fly in and out of rural cities across the state, including members of the military, will continue to benefit from daily flight service. The settlement secures common-sense concessions that are in the best interests of our great state. The settlement is good for American Airlines' customers, the communities it serves and its employees. Our negotiations confirmed that the airline will preserve competition in the marketplace, maintain important routes in Texas and protect jobs." [more - original PR] [more - original PR - Texas AG]