Brussels has given the green light to the merger between American Airlines and US Airways.
The two carriers confirmed last night that they have received clearance from the European Commission under the European merger regulations for the tie-up.
The merger remains subject to regulatory approvals and confirmation of American’s plan of reorganisation by the US bankruptcy court.
The two carriers continue to expect to complete the deal in the third quarter of the year.
Incoming chairman of the combined company Tom Horton – current chief executive of American’s holding company AMR – said: “We are very pleased that the EU has approved the merger between American Airlines and US Airways. This represents one of the final milestones on our path to becoming the new American Airlines.”
Doug Parker, chairman and chief executive of US Airways, and incoming chief executive of the combined company, added: “The clearance by the European Commission is an important step toward closing this merger.
“The new American will benefit customers in the United States, Europe and across the world by enhancing connectivity within the Oneworld alliance and creating more options for travel both domestically and internationally.”
Based in Dallas/Fort Worth, the new American Airlines is expected to offer more than 6,700 daily flights to 336 destinations in 56 countries.
Together, American Airlines and US Airways plan to operate a mainline fleet of almost 950 aircraft and employ more than 100,000 staff worldwide.