American Airlines CEO says corporate turnaround progressing

DALLAS (AP) -- The CEO of North Texas-based American Airlines says the company has nearly finished a bankruptcy turnaround and the only big decision left is whether to remain independent or merge with US Airways.

US Airways has been pushing for a merger that would put its executives in charge. But American CEO Thomas Horton says that a deal could happen after his airline emerges from bankruptcy. That raises the possibility that American could buy US Airways.

Horton also says that provisions approved by pilots last week will help American regain passengers that it has lost to Delta Air Lines and others in New York and Los Angeles and become "a powerhouse."

Horton made the comments in an interview with The Associated Press on Monday.

American maintains a major maintenance hub in Tulsa.