It’s not exactly new information that US Airways is looking to be bought out by either Delta Air Lines, the currently merging United/Contiental, or American Airlines. But in case you doubt that’s the desired outcome at some point in the future, check out what Chairman and CEO Doug Parker said during yesterday’s quarterly earnings conference call:
The other three can’t do anything with each other without large antitrust problems. But any of the three can do something with us. And I think that’s a good position for us and our shareholders.
Parker though is too optimistic on the antitrust issue. As long as US Airways isn’t on the verge of collapse — and it certainly isn’t at the moment, as it posted a strong 3Q profit — then there are antitrust issues in a merger, especially with Delta (CLT hub/competition in the Southeast in general, New York City) and United/Continental (Washington D.C., New York City). American would be easier to do from an antitrust prospective, but AA must first address its cost issues for a merger to make any sense.
