American Airlines and US Air Anti-Trust Settlement Approved, Merger Continues

A U.S. bankruptcy judge approved the antitrust settlement between American Airlines and US Airways’ and the U.S. Department of Justice today, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

The Associated Press’ David Koenig tweeted that the last-ditch effort by consumers to show that they would be hurt by the merger failed because the “failed to show how the merger would hurt them.”

Dallas Morning News‘ Terry Maxon live-tweeted the hearing:

.@AmericanAir hearing now over after 20 minutes (and nearly two years). But of course, bankruptcy case will still continue for some time.

— Terry Maxon (@tmaxon) November 27, 2013

We expect @AmericanAir to soon announce merger date. We'll see if the Dec. 9 date holds.

— Terry Maxon (@tmaxon) November 27, 2013

Judge is wrapping up @AmericanAir hearing, says the written order will be forthcoming. But he has a few questions about AA's proposed order.

— Terry Maxon (@tmaxon) November 27, 2013

Judge: @AmericanAir “settlement is fair and equitable and in the best interests of the estate," doesn't require new vote by stakeholders.

— Terry Maxon (@tmaxon) November 27, 2013

The stock market remained cautious on the news, with both US Air and American remaining steady. American Air has not confirmed the previously announced merger date of December 9, but expects to issue an update shortly.

“Today’s rulings by the Court are another important step in our path toward emerging from restructuring and closing our planned merger with US Airways,” said Mike Trevino, an American Airlines spokesman. “The new American will compete on a global scale with a network that benefits our people, our customers and the communities we serve. With the court’s rulings today, we now intend to close the merger on December 9.”

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More on the American Air-US Airways Merger

• American Airlines and US Airways Are Scrambling to Make Merger Take Flight
• Consumers Play Wait and See on Price Impact of the New American Airlines
• Leaders of the New American Airlines ‘Couldn’t Be Happier’ With Merger Concessions
• It’s Official: American Airlines is Merging With US Airways, Closing Next Month