CEOs of AMR, US Airways discuss merger options

DALLAS — The CEOs of American Airlines parent company and US Airways are talking to each other about potential merger scenarios.

AMR Corp. CEO Thomas Horton and US Airways’ Doug Parker met Thursday over breakfast in Washington.

A person familiar with the discussion says Horton spelled out the process his company will follow in weighing whether it remains independent or merges with another airline. Horton neither favored nor ruled out a deal with US Airways. AMR has been in bankruptcy protection since November.

This person requested anonymity because the details of the discussion haven’t been made public.

Parker has conducted a very public campaign to merge with AMR. US Airways confirmed that the meeting took place, adding in a statement that it hoped the discussion represents “the start of a meaningful, fair and transparent process.”