America West has pulled out of talks with potential buyers, including United Airlines (UAL), complaining that the "expressions of interest" received were "highly conditional".
Chairman Bill Franke says America West will continue to go it alone as the USA's ninth largest airline, adding that he is confident that the carrier has a bright future, given its low cost structure, flexible fleet, strong balance sheet and strategic opportunities.
The acquisition would have boosted United's presence in the western USA at a time when American Airlines is strengthening its position in the region with the take-over of Reno Air.
Continental Airlines, which owns 8% of America West, has first refusal on the 50%stake held in the airline by financier David Bonderman's Texas Pacific Group, and has stated that the chances of a United bid clearing anti-trust hurdles are "close to zero".
Source: Flight International
