WASHINGTON -- US Airways, its restructuring plans on hold since
February 2000, remains in a holding pattern as it awaits a Justice
Department opinion on its proposed merger with United.
That opinion is expected by Aug. 1. Until then, US Airways
president Rakesh Gangwal said the airline is in "limbo."
US Airways has faced increasing competition from low-fare
carriers and regional jet service, but it has not made all the
changes it might have otherwise made in its route network, fleet
structure or capacity growth, he said.
Like the owner of a house for sale, Gangwal said, "the owner
would not undertake major modifications while waiting for the sale
to close."
Gangwal made the remarks in speaking to analysts about the
airline's $24 million loss in the second quarter.