The much delayed takeover of Virgin America by Alaska Air could be completed within days.
Newly filed court documents by Virgin’s legal team say: "Alaska believes that Department of Justice review will likely be completed by the end of November."
The filing was a response to a lawsuit brought by a group of consumers and travel agents seeking to block the merger.
Seattle-based Alaska Air Group’s proposed $2.6 billion acquisition of Virgin America has been held up since the justice department raised concerns over anti-trust issues and extended its review period.
Bloomberg reports Alaska Air is close to reaching a settlement with anti-trust officials and looks likely to be completed by the end of the month.
This could mean it has agreed to offload one or more of its codeshare agreements with other carriers.
If and when the deal is approved Alaska Air will become the largest carrier on the US West Coast as well as boost its presence in the lucrative transcontinental market with slots at New York area airports and Washington DC.
The proposed merger will net Sir Richard Branson a £630 million windfall, according to the Sunday Times.
