AMR Corp and US Airways Group have today announced that a unanimous agreement was reached last night between the boards of directors of both companies to merge American Airlines and US Airways.
The combined airline will be one of the largest and strongest in the world, with a global network of 6,700 flights to 336 destinations, and huge fleet of aircraft. It will also have 600 aircraft on order.
American Airlines will be retained as the name of the carrier, with the US Airways brand being retired; US Airways itself was recently merged with America West Airlines.
The carrier’s base will also remain in Dallas/Fort Worth, TX, and oneworld will remain the alliance which it is aligned to (American Airlines was a founding partner of oneworld).
American Airlines’ Chairman, President and CEO, Thomas Horton, will become the chairman of the new airline, with Doug Parker (currently chairman of US Airways), taking on the role of CEO. Tom Horton announced: “Today, we are proud to launch the new American Airlines – a premier global carrier well equipped to compete and win against the best in the world.”
Fleet, route and hub changes will likely be common as the airlines align their networks into one carrier. AirportSpotting will strive to provide updates as they are announced. All aircraft will be painted into American Airlines colours, so now is the time to go and get some pictures of those US Airways heritage liveries!
