Crandall Lobbies for Airline Deal: American Airlines...

Crandall Lobbies for Airline Deal: American Airlines Chairman Robert L. Crandall said his deal to buy foreign routes and other assets of Eastern Airlines should be approved by government regulators “in the national interest.” Failure to allow the deal would invite greater control of international air travel by foreign carriers, Crandall said at a press conference called to discuss details of the $471-million purchase. The complex deal with Eastern’s parent, Texas Air Corp., gives American control of Eastern’s prized Latin Anerican routes and would greatly enhance American’s presence in foreign markets. The purchase is subject to review by the Justice and Transportation departments and the U.S. Bankruptcy Court overseeing Eastern’s Chapter 11 reorganization.