By Alabama Public Radio
Montgomery, AL – There's word that U.S. Airways and America West Airlines have accelerated talks on a potential $1 billion merger. Reports say people who were briefed on the discussions said that completion of the deal would require about $500 million in new capital. Those same people reportedly say the discussions could wrap up by the end of the week. A deal would still require approval by a federal loan board and the U.S. bankruptcy court. Spokespersons for U.S. Airways and for America West did not comment on the most recent reports. The Retirement Systems of Alabama controls the majority of U.S. Airways stock.