American Airlines News

American's desire to stay independent received a boost today as bankruptcy judge said that AMR could have a little more time to get itself into shape before it would be forced to present its reorganization plan.

Everyone seems confident that thanks to its own merging history and the recent example of United and Continental, US Airways will be able to leap any regulatory hurdles placed in front of it.

CEO Doug Parker has done an excellent job lobbying for support for a US Airways/American merger -- even among current rivals and possible future oneworld alliance partners at British Airways.

Things look better at American because it's able to use its bankruptcy to avoid being held accountable or addressing its past mistakes. It owes its employees and shareholders a future that benefits more than just its own executive ranks.

Since BA can't buy American, Walsh sees a pairing with US Airways as the next best thing for a stronger oneworld alliance.

Ahles' story points out the obvious speed bump for AMR's leaders: If they merged with US Airways their executive team would likely be gutted.

If nothing else, US Airways has a sense of humor. As silly as this may be, it's American's execs that are consistently looking like clowns.

American Airlines' direct-connect push has yet to take off in a huge way, but the BookIt.com agreement shows it ain't dead yet. Old-school GDS protests aside, travel agencies should be able to establish such ties with anyone they want to.

The contract, while better, still includes layoffs of both mechanics and clerks. The thousands who will lose jobs are likely not soothed by the news of the multi-million dollar bonuses execs will receive even if they only half-succeed transforming the carrier.

The unions are rooting for a pairing with US Airways, but who knows what the months of high-priced consultants and lawyers have whispered into American's executive's ears.