American Airlines, U.S. Airways Considering Merger
CHICAGO (CBS) -- American Airlines and U.S. Airways, both of which operate in Chicago, are considering joining forces, a move that would create the country's largest airline.
American, U.S> Airways Considering Merger
Dr. Joe Schwieterman, a transportation professor at DePaul University, believes the merger is a foregone conclusion.
"This, I think, will sail through antitrust with some big caveats," said Schwieterman. "They have to divest some assets, they have to make some accommodations, but this thing now has a full head of steam."
Schwieterman still believes there's enough competition that consumers won't see much in the way of fare hikes if the merger happens.
He believes getting the buy-in of labor will be key to the timing of the merger.
American accounts for more than a quarter of the seats leaving O'Hare and Midway daily.