NEW YORK —US Airways expects ticket prices and passenger demand will continue their upward climb, despite higher fuel prices. The airline also confirmed that it has hired advisers to study a possible merger with American Airlines — though chief executive Doug Parker, long a proponent of industry consolidation, said it would be some time before a decision is made.
American filed for bankruptcy in November. In bankruptcy, parent AMR could shed billions in debt, reduce its costs and still afford new planes — a combination that has drawn plenty of attention. Rival Delta Airlines is reportedly studying a bid.
A big fuel bill lowered US Airways’ earnings 35 percent in the final three months of 2011. The company reported net income of $18 million in the fourth quarter. That compares with $28 million a year earlier.
The Associated Press
