American Airlines and U.S. Airways could soon merge, and they already have buy-in from a pair of major unions representing pilots.
The two airlines have “completed discussions” with two major employee unions: the Allied Pilots Association and US Airline Pilots Association, the two airlines said in a statement. These discussions are “intended to develop a framework for the terms of employment for pilots, as well as a process for pilot integration, in the event of a merger between AA and US during restructuring.”
“This memorandum of understanding will assist all of the stakeholders, including the Boards of AMR and US Airways, in making an informed decision as to whether a merger should ultimately be pursued,” the airlines said. “The MOU is one of several elements to be considered before a decision on a merger can be made. Details regarding the MOU are still covered by the terms of a non-disclosure agreement so they cannot be further disclosed at this time.”
AMR Corp., which owns American and American Eagle, filed for Chapter 11 reorganization in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York in November 2011. American was working on a plan to emerge as a stand-alone carrier, and if the merger falls through, it could remain so.