US Airways CEO Doug Parker to Discuss Airline Industry Consolidation at a National Press Club Luncheon on July 18

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Jul 11, 2012, 12:49 ET

WASHINGTON, July 11, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Doug Parker, chairman and CEO of US Airways, will discuss the state of the airline industry and the impact of mergers during a National Press Club luncheon on July 18. He will focus on US Airways' effort to merge with American Airlines.

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Parker's remarks follow an announcement this week by AMR chairman and CEO Tom Horton that American Airlines would now weigh merger proposals. This marked a change in attitude for management at the Dallas-based airline. American previously had said that its goal was to remain as a stand-alone carrier and if it entertained merger proposals, it would wait until it completed its bankruptcy reorganization.

US Airways has gained the support of American Airlines' three unions and has wooed creditors with the message that a US Airways/American combination would create the No. 1 airline serving East Coast markets. Parker says that with a larger network of connections, a combined carrier would be in a better position to compete nationally and internationally with United and Delta airlines.

Doug Parker became chairman and CEO of US Airways, based in Tempe, Ariz., following its merger with America West Airlines in September, 2005. Before the merger, he was chairman, president and chief executive officer of America West Holdings Corporation. He began his career as an executive at American Airlines in the 1980s.

The Press Club luncheon will begin promptly at 12:30 p.m. Remarks will begin at 1:00 p.m., followed by a question-and-answer session ending at 2 p.m. Advance reservations should be made through (202) 662-7501 or [email protected]. The cost of luncheon admission is $19 for National Press Club members, $30 for their guests, and $37 for the general public. Tickets must be purchased at time of reservation.

National Press Club Luncheons are webcast live on press.org. Follow the conversation on Twitter using the hashtag #NPCLunch, or on Facebook at (facebook.com/PressClubDC) and Twitter (@PressClubDC). Submit questions for speakers in advance and during the live event by sending them to @QNPCLunch on Twitter. Or email a question in advance, type PARKER in the subject line and send to [email protected] before 10 a.m. on the day of event.

The Press Club is on the 13th floor, 529 14th Street, NW, Washington, D.C. Credentialed press may cover this event.

About the National Press Club the National Press Club is the world's leading professional organization for journalists with more than 3,400 members worldwide representing every major news organization. More than 250,000 people visit the Club each year to attend more than 2,000 events. The Club was founded in 1908 and is on the web at press.org.

SOURCE National Press Club