Lots to do in American, US Airways merger

[DALLAS] As AMR Corp's American Airlines nears the end of two years in bankruptcy after winning approval to merge with US Airways Group Inc, the equally arduous chore of creating the world's biggest carrier is poised to begin.

Led by US Airways CEO Doug Parker, the new American's employees will act on plans crafted in the past eight months. They face structural tasks that include melding frequent-flier plans and deciding on a regional-jet fleet, as well as details such as picking an aircraft paint scheme.

American will need to avoid technological pitfalls like the computer failures that snarled flights at United Continental Holdings Inc after its 2010 tie-up, while also making good on a pledge to achieve US$1 billion in cost savings and new revenue. The closing of the US$17.7 billion merger and AMR's Chapter 11 exit will come on Dec 9, the company said on Wednesday.