NEW YORK — AMR Corp., the parent company of American Airlines, Inc., and US Airways Group Inc. today said that they intend to mount a vigorous and strong defense to the U.S. Department of Justice’s effort to block their proposed merger.
“We believe that the DOJ is wrong in its assessment of our merger,” the airlines said in a statement. “Integrating the complementary networks of American and US Airways to benefit passengers is the motivation for bringing these airlines together. Blocking this procompetitive merger will deny customers access to a broader airline network that gives them more choices.
“Further, this merger provides the best outcome for AMR’s restructuring. The widespread support from the employees and financial stakeholders of both airlines underscores the fact that this is the best path forward for both airlines and the customers and communities we serve.
Combined, the new airline would have more than 6,700 daily flights to 336 destinations in 56 countries around the world. The carriers content the new airline, to be named American Airlines, will create “a highly competitive alternative” to other carriers.
“We will mount a vigorous defense and pursue all legal options in order to achieve this merger and deliver the benefits of the new American to our customers and communities as soon as possible.”