All about business

US Airways Group Inc. said Thursday it ended merger talks with United Airlines, the biggest carrier at San Francisco’s airport.

A union of the two companies would have would have created a carrier nearly as big as Delta Air Lines Inc., the nation’s biggest airline.

“It remains our belief that consolidation makes sense in an industry as fragmented as ours,” said Chairman and CEO Doug Parker. “Whether we participate or not, consolidation that leads to a more efficient industry better able to withstand economic volatility, global competition and the cyclical nature of our industry is a positive outcome.”

Parker, in his prepared statement, did not discuss why talks ended. But media reports indicate UAL Corp., United Airline’s parent, is considering a merger with Continental Airlines.

United Airlines accounts for one-third of the flights at San Francisco International Airport.

Source