News Summary: Airline merger trial to start in Nov

JUDGE SETS TRIAL DATE: A federal judge said the U.S. government's lawsuit to block the proposed merger of American Airlines and US Airways will start Nov. 25, a timetable favored by the airlines. The Justice Department wanted the trial to start in March.

SURPRISE LAWSUIT: The two companies were close to completing a merger to create the world's biggest airline, but the Justice Department and six states sued on Aug. 13 to block the deal. They said it would reduce competition and lead to higher prices for travelers.

AIRLINES SEE COMPETITION: American and US Airways, on the other hand, maintain that the merger would increase competition by creating another big rival to United Airlines and Delta Air Lines, which grew through recent mergers.