US Airways and American Airlines have received approval from the European Commission for their merger contingent on the combined airline giving up slots for a Philadelphia – London Heathrow route.

I previously stated that I thought the EC might want more and color me surprised that they do not.

This leaves things pretty much in the US Department of Justice’s hands for final approval although the Bankruptcy Court does have to also approve the bankruptcy plan.  The Bankruptcy Court approval is nearly pro-forma at this point as the two airlines have their ducks in a row and overwhelming support and approval from creditors.

The DoJ is taking its sweet time and while they cannot take forever, they do seem to be dangerously dragging this approval out.  Most likely due to pressure from Congressmen who don’t want to lose routes/airlines/jobs in their constituencies.

Filed under: Airline News, Mergers and Bankruptcy by ajax