US Airways has been working behind the scenes to purchase the operating certificate of a defunct small airline to quickly establish a new subsidiary carrier – known as Potomac Air – before the U.S. Justice Department makes a decision on the merger.

US Airways expects Potomac Air to launch in 45 days and will operate as a US Airways Express carrier. “With Potomac Air there will be an experienced team in place and operating on Day One, when it becomes DC Air,” a US Airways spokesman told Aviation Daily . Potomac Air was incorporated Aug. 18 and is based at US Airways' headquarters in Arlington, Va. The airline put out advertisements last week recruiting for every position from pilots to office staff.
http://www.aviationnow.com/TwoShare/...90285221907029


AND:

The Commerce Committee today approved a voice vote "nonbinding" resolution to oppose the UA/US deal. Congress has no "formal" role in the federal regulators' review of mergers, yet concerns expressed may have an influence on the process.
http://biz.yahoo.com/apf/000920/united_us_.html

[This message has been edited by doc (edited 09-21-2000).]