Federal Bankruptcy Judge Sean Lane Wednesday approved the settlement in the US Government antitrust lawsuit against American Airlines and US Airways. The approved settlement clears the path for completion of the merger. Judge Lane ruled that the settlement did not impede on American Airlines bankruptcy reorganization plan which was conditionally approved in September by his court. Additionally, Judge Lane ruled that the settlement did not require a re-vote on the merger by shareholders for the merging carriers.
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Additionally, the judge denied a request by the attorneys in a second, private antitrust suit for a temporary restraining order. In his order on that motion, the judge stated that the plaintiffs had not demonstrated that they would be caused any harm by the merger’s completion. That lawsuit was filed by attorney Joseph Alioto in early July. Alioto has filed similar lawsuits opposing the mergers of Delta/Northwest, United/Continental, and Southwest/AirTran.
