Case Study

American Airlines Merger

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US Airways Merger "Infographic" Print Ad

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US Airways "Letter" Print Ad

SKDK was hired by US Airways to manage the strategic communications relating to regulatory approval of this high-profile merger. We worked with the client and supported a team of advisors on virtually every public aspect of the campaign for the combination to create the world’s premier airline, which included managing the policy and political effort for several Congressional hearings, mobilization of labor and grassroots advocates, activating state and local elected officials and local business allies, and developing Beltway advertising and media coverage. After the U.S. Department of Justice unexpectedly filed suit to block the merger in August 2013, SKDK helped frame the responsive public dialogue and marshalled unprecedented community and political support for the deal. The DOJ opted to settle the lawsuit, and the merger closed successfully in December 2013.

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Web ads for the US Air / American Airlines merger

  • “To make it happen, management and labor rallied quickly, enlisted support nationwide and put on a full-court press. But they didn’t overstep…”

    – Dallas Morning News

Results

  • Dems join pleas for DOJ to stop fighting airline merger

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  • Airports Want Chance to Support AA, US Airways Merger

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  • The Street

    Pressure Mounts on DOJ to Accept US Airways/American Merger

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  • Time for settlement talks on American-US Airways merger

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  • Chambers of commerce voice their support for US Airways-American Airlines merger

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  • The Hill

    Rahm Emanuel presses DOJ on merger

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  • Mayors to Justice: Stop holding up AA-US Airways merger

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  • Oklahoma AG plans to weigh in on the American Airlines-US Airways case

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  • Emanuel, peers pledge support for airline merger

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  • Democratic lawmakers urge Justice to drop merger lawsuit

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  • The Oklahoman

    Oklahoma AG Pruitt, unions support airline merger

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  • Arizona Central

    Arizona should leave US Airways-American Airlines lawsuit

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  • Why US Airways-American merger should fly

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  • Longview News-Journal

    Abbott’s reversal on merger good news for Gregg County

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  • Gilmer Mirror

    Give Airlines Some Legroom

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  • US Airways and American Airlines merger will benefit our region

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