Passengers Cautiously Optimistic Over Airline Merger
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - American Airlines and US Airways are now one company and the value of the merger is around $11 billion.
The deal effectively creates the nation's largest airline, but what will it mean for passengers and people who use Pittsburgh International Airport?
There was cautious optimism at Pittsburgh International Airport that the merger will have more benefits than drawbacks.
KDKA's Paul Martino Reports:
"It's hard to tell right now if it will be a good decision to merge since business is down in the airport in general, the merger might bring some business," Bech Rejametov said.
The new airline will be called American, but US Airways' CEO will run the company. American is currently in bankruptcy, while US Airways is profitable.
Passengers are hoping it's good news for Pittsburgh International Airport.
"I'm not quite sure. I'm a travel agent, I've been doing this for 20-some years. Hopefully, it will be good for Pittsburgh," Sharon Battle said.
KDKA's John Shumway Reports:
However, the biggest fear is that this merger will drive up fares.
"You always know that when there's less competition prices eventually go up. Airlines are crying poor right now, so who knows," Denis Mason-Bullitt said.
Mergers are nothing new for the industry. In 2001, there were 10 major airlines. After this merger, there will be four mega-airlines that will control more than 80 percent of the industry.
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