Says Office Will 'Closely Monitor' Progress Of The Proceedings

Governor Tom Corbett (R-PA) says his office will "closely monitor" the U.S. Department of Justice antitrust lawsuit challenging the proposed merger between US Airways and American Airlines.

"Consumer choice and competition involving airline travel are essential to the citizens of Pennsylvania," the Governor (pictured) said in a statement. "The daily connections into and out of the commonwealth, including Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and other cities, are a vital link for business travelers, tourists and millions of other visitors every year.

"Pennsylvanians, especially the workers, travelers and businesses of southwestern Pennsylvania, are very familiar with the wide-reaching impact of airline mergers, having witnessed the closure of the US Airways hub in Pittsburgh in 2004 and the dramatic drop in flights that followed.

"It is essential that any merger of this size be structured in a manner that avoids reductions in consumer choice or diminished competition.

"My office carefully studied the lawsuit filed ... by the U.S. Department of Justice and will closely monitor developments involving this proposed merger to ensure that the best interests of all Pennsylvania consumers and businesses are protected."

Pennsylvania is one of the states that joined the U.S. DOJ lawsuit.

FMI: www.governor.state.pa.us