
US Airways, United End Merger Talks
TEMPE, Ariz. (
) --
US Airways
(LCC)
said Thursday that it has broken off merger talks with
United
( UAUA).
"We have recently held discussions with United Airlines regarding a possible combination between our two airlines," said CEO Doug Parker, in a prepared statement. "After an extensive review and careful consideration, our board of directors has decided to discontinue those discussions.
|
"It remains our belief that consolidation makes sense in an industry as fragmented as ours," Parker said. "Whether we participate or not, consolidation that leads to a more efficient industry better able to withstand economic volatility, global competition and the cyclical nature of our industry is a positive outcome."
Recent reports indicate that
Continental
(CAL) - Get Report
is currently engaged in merger talks with United.
During Continental's earnings conference call Thursday morning, CEO Jeff Smisek said, "As you would expect of a responsible management team, we are examining Continental's options." He declined to comment further.
-- Written by Ted Reed in Charlotte, N.C.









