Today, AMR Corp., the parent company of American Airlines Inc., and US Airways Group Inc., said it would merge to create a global carrier valued at $11 billion. The boards of directors of both companies approved the merger, with the carrier operating under the American Airlines name.

US Airways represents 27-28 percent of the airline market share at Lehigh Valley International Airport in Hanover Township, and the merger could mean additional growth for the airport, said Charles Everett, executive director of the Northampton-Lehigh Airport Authority.

"US Airways is our number one carrier in terms of market share," said Everett. "That is an opportunity for Lehigh Valley. We are looking forward to the merger. Certainly, it would mean better connections."

Everett said the two carriers complement each other well and the merger could hopefully create better service looking South and Southwest, as well as more possible flights to Chicago.

He said it was too early to start talking about any potential fare increases.

"We will have to wait and see what the impact would be, but we are hopeful," said Everett.

"We've long supported airline industry consolidation because it creates a more financially healthy industry that benefits consumers, investors and airline industries," said Jean Medina, spokeswoman for Airlines for America, a Washington D.C.-based airline trade organization.

While she said she couldn't comment on potential fare increases, she said the airline industry is highly competitive and will continue to be.

US Airways said the combined airline will offer more than 6,700 daily flights to 336 destinations in 56 countries.

The carrier said the merger is conditioned on the approval by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York, in addition to regulatory approvals, approval by US Airways shareholders, other customary closing conditions, and confirmation and completion of the plan. The combination is expected to be finished in the third quarter.