Justice Department Probing American Airlines, US Airways Merger

Reuters is reporting the Justice Department has taken depositions as it looks into the planned merger of American Airlines and US Airways.

According to Reuters, the Justice Department is examining whether the two airlines will agree to sell slots to reduce their dominance at Washington's Reagan National Airport.

American and US Airways announced plans to merge in February.

The $11 billion merger requires approval from the U.S. Justice and Transportation Departments.

American Airlines: Turbulent Times

Taking depositions indicates the Justice Department is concerned the proposed merger creates antitrust issues, according to Reuters. It explained that depositions will be needed if the agency approves the deal with conditions or challenges it.

On June 10, the two airlines named eight senior executives, including five from US Airways and three from American parent AMR.

AMR and US Airways hope to complete the merger by the end of September. American Airlines and US Airways declined comment on the Reuters story.