Current Status of American Airlines and US Airways Merger

To date, the two airlines are operating as one entity in many aspects, with all air traffic plans now filed under American Airlines as of September 2015. However, the reservations systems remain separate, leading to flights operated under both American Airlines and US Airways. As of October 16, flights marketed solely under US Airways will become a thing of the past, with all flights marketed as American Airlines moving forward. According to official notifications, passengers with booked flights after this date will receive updated tickets from American Airlines.

The last US Airways branded flight is expected to be a red-eye flight from San Francisco (SFO) to Philadelphia. Internally, there are still differences, such as aircraft and crew assignments. Former US Airways crews will continue to fly the former US Airways fleet from Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). However, as the reservation systems merge, flexibility in aircraft and crew assignments will increase, allowing for more efficient operations.

One significant change that is happening is the retirement of US Airways Boeing 757s flying from Phoenix to Hawaii. American Airlines has purchased a new fleet of Airbus A321s certified for ETOPS (Extended-range Twin-engine Operational Performance Standards) operations to Hawaii and based in Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The A321s, though not having enough range to serve Hawaii reliably from Phoenix, will be used to replace the older US Airways 757s at LAX.

Timeline and Future Changes

While the airlines are already operating as one entity in many ways, the full integration timeline is more extended. Approval to merge the two airlines is expected in the third quarter of 2013, which is the most optimistic scenario. This means that significant changes and streamlining will not happen until the end of 2013 or the beginning of 2014.

For now, the airlines can begin working out scenarios behind the scenes. However, it is anticipated that even with these preparations, the most significant changes will not occur until 2014. This period will be marked by internal adjustments and refinements, slowly transitioning the two airlines into a fully integrated entity.

In conclusion, while American Airlines and US Airways are already operating as one entity in many ways, the full integration process will take a more extended period to complete. This delayed timeline is due to the approval process and the necessary adjustments required for a seamless integration. As of now, expect further changes and improvements in the coming months and years.