http://www.forbes.com/sites/tedreed/2012/07/20/a-good-week-for-amr-as-it-battles-us-airways-merger-bid/?partner=yahootixAs it battles a merger effort by US Airways, bankrupt AMR seems to have had a pretty good week. On Wednesday, July 18[sup]th[/sup], AMR reported good first quarter results and assured it will have even better financial results going forward. On Thursday, U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge Sean Lean extended for three months the period when it has an exclusive right to submit a plan of reorganization to the court until Dec. 28, three months past the existing date.
As for real US Airways, the principal event of its week was Parker’s widely anticipated appearance before the National Press Club. The expectation was that the personable CEO would charm the national press corps as he laid out the reasons why a merger would help both American and US Airways. But the event seemed to be a bit of a letdown, as a moderator read a series of questions – many unrelated to the merger – from note cards. If Parker wanted to show that he can be an effective national spokesman for the airline industry, he clearly did so, but he didn’t break much ground in the merger effort.
Perhaps what Horton told Parker at breakfast is this: About that merger, Doug, don’t call us. We’ll be back to you on Dec. 28[sup]th[/sup]. Have a good Christmas.