This would have resolved the Nic dispute before it started.
No airline, No Nic.
Problem solved.
"Of course, America West could have another agenda for US Airways – liquidation. If America West gained control of the failing airline for a mere $100 million and then sold off the assets piece by piece, they could offload debt and eliminate unprofitable routes and duplicate resources. America West could essentially "cherry pick" the most profitable routes and assets, such as the shuttle or some international routes.
American Airlines deployed a similar strategy, acquiring dying TWA several years ago in a "fire sale" only to unload most of the assets and furlough most employees. Sadly, it's a lot easier to liquidate than integrate. Yes, it's nasty business, but perhaps a more rational explanation for America West's perplexing interest.
Oddly enough, the liquidation of US Airways is the one scenario in this merger that could save America West. But integration or liquidation, US Airways' fate is sealed. The carrier will cease to exist in the long term whether the merger goes through or not."