moderator note:
now that things are official, we'll begin a new thread with official news of the US/AA merger.
For past discussion of the merger, please refer to this thread:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/us-ai...er-thread.html
Our AA forum moderators have put together a very handy, "Just the Facts," thread:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...ts-please.html
Thanks.
aztimm
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Just got the email...
The New American is Arriving
As a valued US Airways Dividend Miles® Preferred member, we wanted you to be among the first to know about some exciting news. Today we announced that American Airlines and US Airways will combine to create a premier global carrier. Operating under the iconic American Airlines name, one of the most recognized brands in the world, the combined airline will have a robust global network, a strong financial foundation and one of the most modern and efficient fleets in the industry. We are excited about what the combination of our two great airlines means for our valued customers.
More Access to More Destinations
The transaction will combine American Airlines' and US Airways' complementary flight networks, increasing efficiency and providing more options for customers. Among other things, the combined worldwide network is expected to offer superior breadth of schedule, which will be of great benefit to our elite business travelers. The combined company will provide customers more choices and increased service across a larger worldwide network and through an enhanced oneworld® Alliance, creating more options for travel and benefits both domestically and internationally. The new American Airlines will offer more than 6,700 daily flights to 336 destinations in 56 countries.
The combined company is expected to maintain all hubs currently served by American Airlines and US Airways, with increased service to existing markets and service to new cities. It is also expected to provide the most service across the East Coast and Central regions of the U.S., including the East Coast shuttle, and to expand its presence and further strengthen its network on the West Coast.
Enhanced Services
Customers will also benefit from American's landmark agreements with Airbus and Boeing, designed to transform the new American Airlines fleet over the next four years and solidify its fleet plan into the next decade. The combined airline is planning to take delivery of 607 new aircraft, including 517 narrowbody aircraft and 90 widebody international aircraft, most of which will be equipped with advanced in-seat inflight entertainment systems offering thousands of hours of programming, inflight Wi-Fi offering connectivity throughout the world, and "Main Cabin Extra" seating with 4 to 6 inches of additional legroom in the Main Cabin. In addition, and as currently provided on US Airways' Airbus A330 international Envoy service, American's new transcontinental and international widebody aircraft will feature lie-flat, all-aisle access premium class seats.
Largest Loyalty Program
As one of our Preferred members, you will be able to enjoy unparalleled benefits. Here are some of the benefits the combined company will offer our members:
•Even more opportunities to earn and redeem miles from an expanded global network of routes and partnerships;
◦122 new destinations through which to redeem miles
◦Earn miles with more than 1,000 participating companies, including more than 20 airline partners
•Unmatched redemption options including flights, hotels, car rentals, vacation packages, one-way awards and club memberships; and
•Worldwide benefits through the oneworld Alliance.
Until the merger is complete, US Airways and American Airlines will remain separate companies and each company will maintain its current loyalty programs (US Airways – Dividend Miles and American Airlines – AAdvantage®). In the meantime, existing miles will continue to be honored, and there will be no impact to your US Airways MasterCard® or US Airways Visa® card. Customers can continue to book travel and track and manage flights as well as frequent flyer activity on www.usairways.com. You can also continue to earn and redeem mileage for travel awards with us and our Star Alliance™ partners.
We expect the combination to be completed in the third quarter of 2013. Additional information will be provided to customers of our frequent flyer program on any future program updates, including account consolidation or benefit alignment. In the meantime, please visit www.usairways.com/arriving for the latest information.
We are committed to providing you with safe and reliable service, and we look forward to continuing to serve you on US Airways and on the new American Airlines.
Sincerely,
Doug Parker
Chairman and CEO, US Airways