US carriers see global alliances as offering alternatives to mergers

American Airlines CFO, Tom Horton, stated the global alliances are evolving as "tighter-knit partnerships" with stronger economic relationships offering alternatives to mergers (Reuters, 27-Feb-2010). US Airways CFO, Derek Kerr, stated that the alliances could generate more cost savings with additional focus, but the carrier still sees the need for mergers in the US domestic industry.