The Last of the Legacy Airline Mergers?

Two weeks ago American Airlines and US Airways entered into discussions revolving around a potential merger of the two big carriers.  American is the last of the ‘legacy’ airlines to pursue such talks in the most recent era (2001-present) of major airline consolidation in the United States.

Indeed, it was American Airlines that started it all with the acquisition of Trans World Airlines in 2001.  Since then, America West Airlines bought US Airways (2005), Delta Air Lines merged with Northwest Airlines (2008) and Continental Airlines merged with United Airlines (2010).  The younger Republic Airways purchased Shuttle America (2005) as well as Midwest Airlines and Frontier Airlines (2009) and Southwest Airlines acquired AirTran (2010).

An American Airlines-US Airways combination would have an extensive domestic and international route network.  While justification for a merger can be found in the argument that the two carriers will be able to compete more effectively with the other mega-carriers if combined, aircraft photographers and aviation enthusiasts will, no doubt, lament the disappearance of yet another airline livery from the skies.

If the two airlines combine, the resulting fleet and any rationalization would be interesting indeed.  The Boeing 737 will eventually dominate American’s fleet while US Airways, which also flies older versions of the 737, operates mostly Airbus products.

Don’t expect to hear much in the near future since the agreement to discuss apparently includes a non-disclosure clause.

(above) US Airways A319-132 N839AW, itself formerly flown by America West, was caught landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport in June 2008.  Initial reports have it that current US Airways aircraft will be painted in American Airlines markings if the two airlines are combined.

Sign of the Times

Well, the Canadian International Air Show wrapped up on Monday and some things were noted.  First, the hole left by the elimination of the USAF’s Air Combat Command demonstration teams is noticeable and did not go unreported by media organizations in the Toronto area.  The scheduling of two F-16s to put in an appearance definitely offset the loss but in the end they didn’t materialize and the only ‘afterburner’ effect was provided by the Canadian Forces CF-18 Demonstration Team.  Although aviation enthusiasts and those who like to watch current frontline combat aircraft in their element were somewhat disappointed, there was probably some satisfaction among the very few left wing (socialist), anti-military, anti-American, pro-Occupy Movement types who every year seem intent on pushing for an end to the CIAS which been associated with the Canadian National Exhibition since 1949.

Of special significance was the sharing of acts between the CIAS and the Cleveland National Air Show in Ohio.  Will this be commonplace between geographically close venues in the future as military assets dwindle?

A few images from the 2012 Canadian International Air Show are presented here.

As usual, special thanks go to Ms. Colleen Swider, Manager of Public Affairs and Media Relations, CIAS and all of the media escorts for putting up with us and accommodating our requests.

(above) New to the CIAS this year was a unique duo from California.  Melissa and Rex Pemberton, she in her Edge 540 and he in a wing suit, carry out an interactive display of free-fall parachuting followed by an aerobatic display.  Melissa’s Edge 540, N540SG, was caught as the sun was rising at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport.

(above) This year was truly ‘The Year of the Harvard’ with no less than seven aircraft in attendance.  Four, including Harvard Mk. II C-FRWN seen here at Billy Bishop Airport with the landmark CN Tower beyond, were from the Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association at Tillsonburg, Ontario.  The other three Harvards were flown by the associated Canadian Harvard Aerobatic Team.

(above) ‘The Year of the Harvard’ continues with this Beechcraft T-6C.  Although it is known as the T-6 Texan II in the US Air Force, the type is flown by the Canadian Forces as the CT-156 Harvard II so it fits the theme.  This example, N3000B, is used by Beechcraft as a demonstrator during marketing tours around the world.

(above) New to the CIAS was this CC-130H(T) Hercules from 435 Transport Squadron at 17 Wing CFB Winnipeg, Manitoba.  The squadron is tasked with airlift and air-to-air refuelling missions and this ‘Herk’ is seen in this flypast with the air refuelling hoses extended.  Trailing is the Canadian Forces CF-18 Demonstration Team aircraft.  Having just finished his display, Captain Patrick “Paco” Gobeil and the CC-130 headed west to perform at the Cleveland National Air Show.  An actual air refuelling was carried out along the way to top up the CF-18's tanks.