Airline unions hail Texas Attorney General for backing AA-USA merger

TEXAS Attorney General Greg Abbott has withdrawn his objection to the merger of American Airlines and US Airways to the applause of trade unions who look forward to creating the world's largest airline.

In response to Mr Abbott's decision the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA), the Allied Pilots Association (APA), the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA), the Communications Workers of America (CWA), the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT), the Transport Workers Union (TWU) and the US Airline Pilots Association (USAPA) issued a joint statement to welcome the move.

"Over the past few weeks our members have shown, and continue to show, unprecedented support for this combination. Our message 'Let us compete. Together' is being heard loud and clear," said the statement.

This combination will allow our members to compete on a fair basis in the airline industry and to better serve customers with a stronger airline that will fly more people to more places. Moreover, this combination enhances job security for employees of both airlines because they will be allowed to compete fairly with other merged carriers in the industry.

Attorney General Abbott clearly recognises the benefits this transaction will bring to Texas. The Dallas-Fort Worth hub will continue to be a key hub of the new American and travellers coming in and out of Texas will benefit from greater connectivity and enhanced service.

"The combined networks will employ nearly 25,000 people throughout the state of Texas, supporting economic growth in all of its communities. This combination makes sense for competition, customers, and our members we represent who want nothing more than to compete aggressively. We will continue to make our voices heard."

These unions collectively represent 70,000 American Airlines, American Eagle and US Airways employees, including pilots, flight attendants, mechanics, technicians, aircraft dispatchers and call centre representatives.