The US Department of Justice wants a trial over the proposed American Airlines-US Airways merger to be delayed until March 2014.
The two airlines are pressing for the trial to start on November 12, following the DOJ’s decision to launch a lawsuit designed to block the $11 billion merger, which would create the world’s biggest airline.
The DOJ said in a filing to the US District Court that November was too soon for the start of a trial because it needed more time to carry out research into the impact of the merger.
American Airlines’ CEO Tom Horton said in a letter to staff this week: “We are focused on completing our merger with US Airways.
“You probably saw last week's news that we are seeking a November trial date, and the American team is standing strong together with US Airways to get this merger closed.
“We're ready to make our case in court for the merger's significant benefits to all of our stakeholders and the communities we serve.”
The US-based Business Travel Coalition and the American Antitrust Institute have produced a Q&A-style briefing on the legal implications of the case. Click here to read the details.