iaflyer

British Airways. IAG is the parent company that owns British Airways and just (well, 1-2 years ago) bought Iberia. Willie Walsh is the CEO of IAG.

tsquare

So your thinking is that he will infuse a bunch of wampum in AMR?

olympic

It is a possibility .. IAG just bought BMI from Lufthansa and has increased significantly it's slots at LHR.
Just look at what AMR and BA would of done to keep Japan Air in One world, I wouldn't be surprised if this went down.

MayDaze

I remember back in '08 when the airlines were getting killed by fuel costs and the dollar was weak everyone was saying they have raise the flood gates on foreign investment to "save" the industry.

I don't want to imagine a day where they will paint over that Eagle with a British Flag. I think there would be a few guys rolling over in their graves...

olympic

At least in Europe the job is still respected ... unlike in the US.

iaflyer

like Olympic said, I think so. If say, Delta bought AMR that would be a problem for oneworld, because American is such a big part of it. I could see IAG putting some money or assistance into AMR to help them out.

olympic

Air Transport News

Flyby1206

Since IAG would be limited to 25% ownership, I could see TPG private equity taking the remaining chunk to keep it "US owned"

AMR Suitors Hope to Draw Support of British Airways - Deal Journal - WSJ

acl65pilot

Iaflyer

This was one of the possibles and if TPG balks you could see foreign ownership as a reality. It is how this could go sideways if they determine that there are more votes in saving AMR then splitting em up.

eaglefly

You can be sure the APA as one of 3 of 7 labor representatives on the creditors committee will act in the best interests of the pilots of AA whether that involves a merger or not (hopefully not). The labor reps on this committee will be angling for whatever deals best serves their careers and not the padding of those at other carriers. I have no problem of foreign ownership in part if AA becomes stronger and remains independent and saves as many AA pilots jobs as possible, although I understand your giddyness at the possibility of advancement on the carcasses of pilots of another carrier.

If we come out of Chpater 11 still #4 and have a foundation and cost-structure to expand and compete anywhere and with anyone, be it legacy, LCC or regional, that's how you get BACK to #1. If AMR's cost structure is what it sounds like it's likely to be (which cannot be acheived through merger with another and operating under a more expensive contract), it may indeed be more attractive to investors who intend to keep it essentially whole and turn it into something formidable (and extremely profitable). As such, remaining independant and expanding is in the best interest of ALL AMR employees and that will be the focus from inside looking out.