American-US Airways merger is great news for North Texas

It?s? been a? busy day, but hey that?s what happens when two major airlines finally announce their pending nuptials. This is one they?ve been thinking about for quite some time.

?So have we, and here?s a preview of our editorial for tomorrow?s paper?.

Mergers aren?t always cures for aviation ails. Nonetheless, the outlook for the new American Airlines is brighter now than it had been in years.

Yesterday?s announced merger of American with US Airways provides a new lease on life to two airlines that had problems neither could solve flying solo. American needed to eliminate costs and elected to do it in bankruptcy court. US Airways needed a more extensive route system and merger partner to remain relevant in a pounce-or-be-prey industry.

To the relief of North Texans, the merger catapults the combined airline closer to those goals and fortifies American?s already enormous presence at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. The airport has been a spectacular aviation port and has enjoyed an almost symbiotic relationship with American that has delivered decades of economic growth and vitality across the area.

You almost could hear the sighs of relief emanating from the flurry of press releases from local elected officials from across the region in praise of the merger after airline officials said they would keep American?s headquarters in Fort Worth and add service from D/FW Airport to other cities.

Now, the area can count on a financially stronger American saving thousands of jobs and continuing to produce billions of dollars in salaries, direct spending and other economic impacts, including charitable contributions. Local school districts and cities can count on property tax and sales tax revenue from airline workers who now have a more hopeful future.

US Airways and American will remain competitors until the transaction is completed later this year. After that, success will depend on the new management satisfying customers and workers, and of course, making money in a tough industry.

American management?s already-deep schism with employees worsened when the airline filed for bankruptcy protection in 2011. Ironically, the bankruptcy gave US Airways chief executive officer Doug Parker an opportunity to force a merger by deftly striking key deals with American?s pilots, other employees and key creditors to take a chance on a marriage with US Airways.

Now, Parker inherits the task of living up to his promises. He begins from a firmer foundation than either airline could have achieved alone. Combining forces was the best step for both airlines and the region, a point Parker and American?s current top executive Tom Horton emphasized during an early-morning press conference.

American is close to emerging from the most challenging and uncertain period in its long history with new planes, a surprisingly still strong brand, and most important new leadership. As North Texans, we couldn?t be happier.

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Source: http://dallasmorningviewsblog.dallasnews.com/2013/02/american-us-airways-merger-is-great-news-for-north-texas.html/

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