American Airlines' former CEO backs merger with US Airways [VIDEO]
Photo Credit: Robert Crandall is a thought-leader, and he's playing a role in prodding the two airlines toward a merger. YouTube
Skift Take
Given all the operational problems that have plagued the United-Continental merger, Crandall realizes that the pilot issue is a top priority. Otherwise, a merger could turn out to be worse for American than no merger.
Robert Crandall, the former CEO and chairman of American Airlines, has consistently been a backer of an American Airlines-US Airways merger, and a new video has emerged outlining his views.
One of his main points is that a merger would make sense and ensure American's future -- but only if the two airlines' pilots can first create an integrated seniority list.
Mergers are tremendously complex, and without such a combined seniority list, the combination could be a bust, Crandall argues.
American's pilots may have taken a step in that direction when the Allied Pilots Association board approved a transition plan to be considered by the boards of both airlines. Details of the plan have not been publicized.
Crandall's latest remarks are worth a listen:
The Dallas Morning News explains that the video first appeared on American pilot Howard O'Shell's blog.
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