American Airlines News

From its labor contracts to airplane redecorating, Horton's talk and action recently is focused entirely on projecting an image of an airline that's ready to go it alone.

Rocking the boat while going through a bankruptcy is unusual for an airline. And how many such frequent flyers are there anyway?

American will get what it wants now -- big reductions in costs and flexibility on scheduling and routes -- in exchange for giving up a chunk of the company to a group of its most dedicated employees.

Since first class takes up more space is often occupied by frequent flyers upgraded from business class, there's little economic reason to continue setting aside these premium seats.

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.