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

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.

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.

Parker became chairman and CEO of the Tempe, Ariz.-based US Airways 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 begins promptly at 12:30 p.m. Remarks will begin at 1 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.