WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Transportation Subcommittee, today issued the following statement after the Department of Justice announced its lawsuit challenging a planned merger of American Airlines and US Airways:
"The impact of the proposed merger of US Airways and American Airlines on smaller airports in states like Maine must be carefully reviewed. Commercial air travel in smaller markets could be reduced, resulting in passengers paying higher airfares and having fewer flight choices. This proposed merger, therefore, needs further analysis to determine whether or not it is in the best interests of consumers as well as the airlines."