05/16/2008

Associated Press

The pilots union for US Airways says the carrier needs to finish its last merger with America West before pursuing another combination with United Airlines.

The US Airline Pilots Association says it's also concerned about the financial health of United parent company UAL Corp.

Union president Stephen Bradford says that with its mounting losses, Chicago-based UAL may not make the best partner. UAL lost $537 million in the first quarter.

Tempe, Ariz.-based US Airways Group Inc. was formed from America West and the former, Virginia-based US Airways in 2005.

The airline has combined most of its operations, but its pilots and flight attendants are still working under separate, pre-merger contracts.

The airline's largest hub is in Charlotte, N.C.