Airline Mergers Issues Raised By The Proposed Merger Of United And Continental Airlines

In early May 2010, United Air Lines and Continental Airlines announced plans to merge the two airlines and signed a merger agreement. The passenger airline industry has struggled financially over the last decade, and these two airlines believe a merger will strengthen them. However, as with any proposed merger of this magnitude, this one will be carefully examined by the U.S. Dept. of Justice to determine if its potential benefits for consumers outweigh the potential negative effects. This statement describes: (1) an overview of the factors that are driving mergers in the industry; (2) the role of federal authorities in reviewing merger proposals; and (3) key issues associated with the proposed merger of United and Continental. Illustrations.

Airline Mergers: Issues Raised by the Proposed Merger of United and Continental Airlines

"Earlier this month, United Air Lines (United) and Continental Airlines (Continental) announced plans to merge the two airlines and signed a merger agreement. This follows the acquisition of Northwest Airlines by Delta Air Lines (Delta) in 2008, which propelled Delta to become the largest airline in the United States. This latest merger, if not challenged by the Department of Justice (DOJ), would surpass Delta's merger in scope to create the largest passenger airline in terms of capacity in the United States. The passenger airline industry has struggled financially over the last decade, and these two airlines believe a merger will strengthen them. However, as with any proposed merger of this magnitude, this one will be carefully examined by DOJ to determine if its potential benefits for consumers outweigh the potential negative effects"--Highlights.

" In February 2013, American and US Airways announced plans to merge the two airlines and entered into a merger agreement. Valued at $11 billion, the merged airline would retain the American name and be headquartered in Dallas-Fort Worth. This follows the mergers of United Airlines and Continental Airlines in 2010 and the acquisition of Northwest Airlines by Delta Air Lines (Delta) in 2008. This latest merger, if not challenged by DOJ, would surpass these prior mergers in scope to create the largest passenger airline in the United States. The passenger airline industry has struggled financially over the last decade and these two airlines believe a merger will strengthen them. However, as with any merger of this magnitude, this proposal will be examined by DOJ to determine if its potential benefits for consumers outweigh the potential negative effects. This testimony focuses on (1) the role of federal authorities in reviewing merger proposals, (2) key factors motivating airline mergers in recent years, and (3) the implications of merging American and US Airways. To address these objectives, GAO drew from its previous reports on the potential effects of prior airline mergers and the financial condition of the airline industry issued from July 2008 through May 2010. GAO also analyzed DOT's airline operating and financial data, airline financial documents, and airline schedule information since 2002."

AIRLINE MERGERS: Issues Raised by the Proposed Merger of American Airlines and US Airways

The airline industry generates operating revenues of $172 billion in 2007, amounting to over 1% of the U.S. gross domestic product. It carried more than 700 million passengers in 2007. Airline deregulation in 1978 led, at least in part, to increasingly volatile airline profitability, resulting in periods of significant losses and bankruptcies. In response, some airlines have proposed or are considering merging with or acquiring another airline. This report describes: (1) the financial condition of the U.S. passenger airline industry; (2) whether the industry is becoming more or less competitive; (3) why airlines seek to merge with or acquire other airlines; and (4) the role of fed. authorities in reviewing proposed airline mergers and acquisitions. Charts and tables.