Oklahoma Attorney General Urges Approval Of American Airlines-US Airways Merger

Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt is urging the federal government to sign off on the proposed merger of American Airlines and US Airways.

The U.S. Department of Justice is challenging the merger on antitrust concerns. American Airlines, which currently employs more than 6,000 workers at its maintenance facility in Tulsa, is seeking to exit bankruptcy protection through the proposed merger.

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Pruitt says his office has found no violation of Oklahoma's antitrust laws in the proposed merger.

"A review by the Oklahoma Attorney General's Office found no violation of the state's antitrust laws in the proposed merger between American Airlines and US Airways," Scott Pruitt said. "The proposed merger will actually benefit consumers by providing more choices and options through the larger combined network that the new American Airlines would provide."

Pruitt also says the merger offers the most viable path forward to secure the maintenance jobs in Tulsa.

"Additionally, not allowing the merger to proceed creates continuing uncertainty for the thousands of employees of American Airlines," Scott Pruitt said. "The merger offers the most viable path forward to secure the maintenance jobs in Tulsa and ensure the continued economic prosperity of Oklahoma."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.