It also may not be approved by US authorities – which are expected to demand both airlines must surrender slots at Heathrow - until after the US elections, if at all.

The UK carrier’s ceo, Willie Walsh, says his airline will not surrender runway slots at Heathrow in order to satisfy US government demands.

The American Airlines boss says neither will his airline.
Despite the hard line on slots, Walsh said in an interview he was hopeful of the joint venture being ready by October next year, the start of the airline industry’s northern winter season.

Analysts and rival airline executives think it likely regulators will demand the pair give up between four and 10 slots at Heathrow, where they have changed hands for £20m a pair.

Meanwhile, American has made an amendment to its purchase agreement with Boeing and is now committed to receiving 36 737-800s in 2009 and 40 in 2010.
The airline also will take delivery of 11,737 aircraft in 2013.