Tempe-based US Airways has been mentioned as a possible merger partner for the much-larger American since its parent AMR Corp. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in November.
On Friday, the Wall Street Journal cited people familiar with the matter as confirming US Airways' interest in American.
Initially, the story mentioned only Delta Air Lines and private-equity investment firm TPG Capital as possible buyers. But it was later amended to include US Airways. Industry insiders in Phoenix also have confirmed the merger has been a topic of conversation at US Airways.
The company had no response. "We don't comment on merger speculation," US Airways spokesman Andrew Christie said Friday.
Any movement on a deal could be months away. But the possibility has rekindled speculation about how US Airways' union conflicts could play into merger negotiations as well as talk about consolidation, layoffs and the possible loss of one of Arizona's trophy headquarters companies if a deal is done.
American is based in the Dallas area, which could become the headquarters for the merged company.
Read more: http://www.azcentral.com/business/articles/2012/01/13/20120113us-airways-may-bid-american.html#ixzz1jcKgIUKe