In an announcement, American Airlines and US Airways said they have extended the deadline as whether to merge or abandon the plans for such merger by one month. This comes after the antitrust lawsuit had put a monkey wrench in the two air carriers merger plans.

According to the American Airlines Chairman and CEO Tom Horton and US Airways Chairman and CEO Dough Parker, "The boards and management teams of AMR and US Airways remain committed to completing this combination to create the new American and the extension of this outside date is a reflection of this commitment."

They added, "Our focus is on mounting a vigorous defense and winning our court case so the new American can enhance competition, provide better service to our customers and create more opportunities for our employees."

The summary of the deadlines released by the statement are as follows:

1. January 18, 2014;
2. Fifteen days after the issuance of an order from the US District Court of Washington DC deciding the antitrust case for the airlines;
3. Five days after the court enters 'a final but appealable, order permanently restraining, enjoining or otherwise prohibiting the consummation of the merger following the trial.

Termination or a decision on the matter needs to be done prior to the aforementioned dates.