US Air, American potential merger could cost Arizona jobs
Feb 6, 2013, 4:55 PM | Updated: Feb 7, 2013, 8:41 am
PHOENIX — Next week’s expected merger between Tempe-based US Airways and American Airlines will more than likely cost some jobs in the Valley.
The new company will be based in Fort Worth, and is expected to keep the American Airlines name. About 9,000 US Air employees work in the Valley, making it the ninth-largest employer in Arizona.
“I believe you’ll lose jobs and the name US Air will disappear like (predecessor) America West,” said airlines expert Tom Parsons of Bestfare.com.
US Air’s corporate headquarters, near Tempe Town Lake, staffs about 750.
According to WFAA-TV, the airlines plan to meet for discussions Monday.
Sources tell News 8 that US Airways CEO Doug Parker will likely take over, and American’s Tom Horton will be given an honorary position on the board such as non-executive chairman.
“But Southwest will still probably be the No. 1 gorilla in the sky,” Parson said.
KTAR’s Jim Cross contributed to this report.
