Judge Approves American-US Airways Merger Deal

The $11 billion merger of American Airlines and US Airways won bankruptcy court approval Wednesday.

The widely-expected decision by Judge Sean H. Lane helps clear the way for the two carriers form the world's biggest airline, with 6,700 daily flights and annual revenue of roughly $40 billion.

The merger, first announced on Feb. 14, still needs approval from antitrust regulators and US Airways shareholders. It is expected to close by the fall.

"The merger is an excellent result. I don't think anybody disputes that," Lane said during a court hearing. American has been in bankruptcy protection since November 2011.

Lane decided not to approve a $20 million severance package for outgoing American CEO Tom Horton. He plans to issue a written decision at a later date detailing his reasoning.

2/14/2013 Related Story: Workers At American Airlines Tulsa Maintenance Base Glad To See Merger

Both airlines released this joint statement Wednesday:

"Judge Lane's approval of the merger agreement today allows us to continue progressing forward with our planned merger and we are gratified to know that he considers the merger an 'excellent result' for stakeholders. The Court approved the merger agreement but deferred ruling on Mr. Horton's compensation arrangement."

The President and CEO of the Tulsa Regional Chamber said the decision is a win for Tulsa.