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FORT WORTH, USA -- American Airlines and US Airways will combine to create a premier global carrier, operating under the American Airlines name, one of the most recognized brands in the world.

The combined airline will have a robust global network and a strong financial foundation, which will offer benefits to both airlines' customers, communities, employees, investors, and creditors.

Customers will have access to more choices and increased service across the combined company's larger worldwide network. With firm orders for more than 600 new mainline aircraft, the combined airline will have one of the most modern and efficient fleets in the industry, and a solid foundation for continued investment in technology, products, and services.

The combined airline will offer more than 6,700 daily flights to 336 destinations in 56 countries. The combined airline is expected to maintain all hubs currently served by American Airlines and US Airways, resulting in more travel options for customers. Both airlines expect that the regional carriers they own – AMR Corporation's American Eagle and US Airways' Piedmont and PSA – will continue to operate as distinct entities, providing seamless service to the combined airline. The company will be headquartered in Dallas-Fort Worth and will maintain a significant corporate and operational presence in Phoenix.

"Today, we are proud to launch the new American Airlines – a premier global carrier well equipped to compete and win against the best in the world," said Tom Horton, chairman, president, and chief executive officer of American Airlines. "Together, we will be even better positioned to deliver for all of our stakeholders, including our customers, people, investors, partners, and the many communities we serve.”

Doug Parker, chairman and chief executive officer of US Airways, said, "Today marks an exciting new chapter for American Airlines and US Airways. American Airlines is one of the world's most iconic brands. The combined airline will have the scale, breadth and capabilities to compete more effectively and profitably in the global marketplace. Our combined network will provide a significantly more attractive offering to customers, ensuring that we are always able to take them where they want to travel, when they want to go."

The transaction will combine American Airlines' and US Airways' complementary flight networks, increasing efficiency and providing more options for customers. The result for consumers is a highly competitive alternative to other global carriers. Importantly, the combined worldwide network will offer superior breadth of schedule to high value travelers.

In addition, American Airlines' landmark agreements with Airbus and Boeing, designed to transform the American Airlines fleet over the next four years, will solidify the combined airline's fleet plan into the next decade. The combined airline is planning to take delivery of more than 600 new aircraft, including 517 narrowbody aircraft and 90 widebody international aircraft.

Customers can continue to book travel and track and manage flights and frequent flyer activity through AA.com or USAirways.com, and will continue to enjoy all benefits and rewards of the AAdvantage and Dividend Miles frequent flyer programs. At this time, there are no changes to the frequent flyer programs of either airline as a result of the merger agreement. All miles in both programs will continue to be honored.

The merger is conditioned on the approval by the US Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York, regulatory approvals, approval by US Airways shareholders, other customary closing conditions, and confirmation and consummation of the Plan. The combination is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2013. During the period between the signing and closing of the transaction, a transition-planning team comprised of leaders from both companies will develop a carefully constructed integration plan to help assure a smooth and sustainable transition.

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