If this truly is the case, then why didn't Congress intervene with the TWA/AMR merger after watching the adverse effect on the TWA employees, the STL Lambert Airport, and the economies of STL/MCI.

Sen. Bond and Sen. Talent of Missouri faced constant resistence from Sen Kay B. Hutchinson of Texas (Dallas, TX) in trying to perserve jobs in Missouri for Missouri residents (TWA employees).

My point is the passenger airline industry is fragile and mergers may be the only way for them to continue as competitive entities in both the LCC arena and the International market whereas governments help support their national airline. Sadly, if deregulation is so wonderful why do we have to ask Congress to step in to seperate the catfights that occur during mergers. Secondly, we have seen in the TWA/AMR, Senators going to bat for the people they represent and then others leading the charge for political or financial reasons to prevent this form of equality within mergers.

Your viewpoint may vary,

FF