American Airlines and US Airways Group have extended the termination date of their merger agreement to Jan. 18 so a trial with the United States Justice Department can take place.
According to The Wall Street Journal, the department is not in favor of the deal. Meanwhile, both airlines hope to see the deal through.
"Our focus is on mounting a vigorous defense and winning our court case so the new American can enhance competition, provide better service to our customers and create more opportunities for our employees," American Airlines chief executive officer Tom Horton, and US Airways CEO Doug Parker said in a statement The Journal reported.
The two sides moved the date to when the airlines, and department could end the agreement that would combine the two air travel companies.
The airlines informed the United States Securities and Exchange Commission on Monday that in the event the judge does not rule in favor of the agreement, the document may be terminated five days after the ruling, which can be appealed, The Journal reported.
On the other hand, if the judge rules the merger can happen on or before Jan. 17, the airlines have indicated the termination could happen 15 days after this ruling. The trial is set to start Nov. 25.
The justice department said Aug. 13 that if the two airline companies merged, there would be an increase in fares, and fees, limit the choices consumers make when traveling by air, and create a situation where over 80 percent of domestic airline travel would be run by the top four airline companies in the United States The Journal reported.
Shareholders of the airlines, the company board of directors, and the majority of their unions including regulators in Europe have all been in favor of the transaction. Both airlines are also trying to compete with other merged airline companies in United Continental Holdings and Delta Air Lines.
