Article updated: 2/19/2013 7:19 AM

In path to American’s merger, 1 CEO had to leave

Buy this photo Buy this photo
Gallery Image

U.S. Airways CEO Doug Parker, right, and American Airlines CEO Tom Horton after a news conference at DFW International Airport.

Associated Press

About this Article

The 14-month battle for control of American Airlines came down to two men who got their start there.When the airline filed for bankruptcy in November 2011, Tom Horton was simultaneously elevated to CEO. But from the minute he reached the top, a number of forces started converging against him. The airline's unions didn't trust him. Those owed money by American questioned his plans.The strongest opposition, however, soon came from his old friend Doug Parker.