US: AA general counsel makes first appearance since DOJ lawsuit

General counsel for American Airlines Gary Kennedy made his first speech last Tuesday since news that the US Department of Justice filed a lawsuit to block the proposed merger between AA and US Airways. In the appearance, Kennedy told media that there is no Plan B for the airline and that the only option is to fight the lawsuit in court, noting that he did not expect to settle with the DOJ. Since the lawsuit’s filing, various states have backed the federal watchdog in the case. Most disappointing to Kennedy, he said, was Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott’s joining of the suit, because American Airlines is a Texas-based firm. “The new, merged company will be stronger and more influential and still based right here in Texas,” Kennedy said, adding that he did comprehend AG Abbott’s position in the case, stating that there had been no indication that the Texas AG had opposed the deal until the suit was filed. American Airlines plans to acquire US Airways as part of its restructuring plan to exit bankruptcy; if cleared, the merger would lead to the world’s largest airline.

Full Content: Dallas News

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