American, US Airways Vow To Fight For Proposed Merger

American Airlines vows to fight the Department of Justice's effort to block the company's proposed $11 billion merger with US Airways. The company issued a statement in response to an antitrust lawsuit filed in the District of Columbia.

US Airways joined in the "vigorous and strong defense" of the merger, saying the integration of the two networks supports competition and will offer customers more choices.

The government says a combination of the two companies would reduce competition for commercial air travel in local markets and would result in passengers paying higher airfares and receiving less service.

8/13/2013 Related Story: Justice Department Challenges American Airlines/US Airways Merger

The airline companies say the new American Airlines will offer 6,700 daily flights to 336 destinations in 56 countries - competing with other domestic and global carriers.

"We will mount a vigorous defense and pursue all legal options in order to achieve this merger and deliver the benefits of the new American to our customers and communities as soon as possible," the release states.

The Tulsa Regional Chamber of Commerce issued the following statement supporting the merger:

"The Tulsa Regional Chamber remains supportive of the American Airlines and US Airways merger. We are confident US Airway's decision to merge with American Airlines, a longstanding corporate partner in Tulsa, will keep thousands of high-paying aerospace and manufacturing jobs here in our community."

Keep checking back for updates, and News On 6 viewers can watch reporter Dan Bewley's story in the 5 and 6 p.m. newscasts.