A federal judge said that the trial of the case filed by the US Justice Department against the American Airlines/US Airways merger should be held before March next year. In open court, US District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly said she thinks that the March 3 date proposed by the government is too far off. "It needs to be a tighter, expedited schedule," she said.
The two airlines wanted the trial set for November. The airline firms said that keeping the deal hanging would strain the parties involved in the merger. Reuters reported that when a merger review and challenge process takes place, the firms would be in management limbo. They would not be able to merge but would also have their hands tied when it comes to making independent decisions and long-term plans.
The lawsuit was filed by the US regulator in the middle of August. The Justice Department said the merger would stifle competition and increase fares. American Airlines and US Airways countered the allegations, saying that the partnership would increase market competition.
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