AMR Corporation Chief Executive Officer Tom Horton told employees on January 3, 2013 that the company will decide on a potential merger with US Airways Group, Inc. in "a matter of weeks." In a letter, he also updated American Airlines workers on talks between the pilots unions and the two carriers as they review a memorandum of understanding on seniority and other issues in case of a merger. American's Allied Pilots Association approved the memorandum last week. "The proposed MOU will be reviewed alongside other factors under evaluation, as part of making an informed decision about whether a merger should be pursued." he wrote.

AMR's Board will meet on January 9, 2012 to discuss the proposed merger. A nondisclosure agreement between AMR and US Airways has expired on January 4, 2012.