Nearby businesses that depend on American Airlines employees say the merger between Fort Worth-based American Airlines and US Airways is good news.
The combined companies' headquarters are expected remain on Amon Carter Boulevard, where 4,300 American employees currently work.
Thousands more American employees work at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and at the company's nearby Fort Worth training center and flight academy.
The manager of Buffalo Cantina estimates that at least half of her business is American Airlines employees or vendors calling on the company.
"We get a lot of them that come after work and on their lunch break," she said. "All of the mechanics come over, and we actually give a 10 percent American Airlines discount."
The restaurant sits in between the American headquarters and the training center along state Highway 360 near Trinity Boulevard.
The restaurant's parent company, Hospitality Concepts of America, says the effect also is felt far beyond the airport area.
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The impact is felt far beyond the airport area, according to Paul Willis, with the restaurant’s parent company, Hospitality Concepts of America.
"If you look at Keller, Aledo, you have people that are making good salaries and have disposable incomes," Paul Willis said. "They go to downtown Fort Worth and Seventh Street and shop and spend money all over North Texas, not just here. That and all the other satellite corporations that support all that, I mean, it would be a huge devastation to North Texas to lose that."
Passenger traffic at DFW Airport is 70 percent American Airlines.
A big terminal renovation is under way now, and new commercial development is coming soon.
Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings, also sits on the board that oversees DFW Airport, said the airport could not undertake all the improvements if not for American Airlines. He said he believes the merger will make American a better partner.
"The most important thing DFW can do is to establish international trade routes for us and by having American Airlines be stronger out of bankruptcy, they're going to be able to fly to more markets and more places," he said.
Rankin said she hopes it creates even more jobs outside American Airlines.
"It makes it possible for everybody to be working here," she said.
