Chamber: US Air relocation won’t ruin Tempe

TEMPE, Ariz. — Speaking at the National Press Club on Wednesday, US Airways CEO Doug Parker left no doubt that a merger with American Airlines will ship the hometown airlines headquarters out of Tempe to the Lone Star State.

“Any airline named American should be headquartered in Fort Worth,” he aaid.

Tempe Chamber of Commerce President Mary Ann Miller said she was not surprised by that announcement but that, “We’re known for regional operations and it would be too bad to lose one.”

The East Valley city would remain a hub for the airline.

US Airways employs about 1,900 in Tempe. She believes a majority would stay here while most of the airline’s high-level staff would move to Texas. The airline has not announced a firm number.

Miller said the departure of the Tempe headquarters would not be a crushing blow economically but that is not to say she wants to see that take place.

“It’s not like the building at Rio Salado is going to empty out and the airline won’t serve Phoenix anymore. I don’t know exactly how many but your average person probably won’t even notice the difference.”

A merged US Airways and American would rival United as the world’s largest airline.

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