NEW YORK (AP) - A federal bankruptcy judge on March 27 will consider approving the merger of American Airlines and US Airways.

Judge Sean Lane in New York on Thursday approved the hearing date. Lane has been handling the November 2011 bankruptcy case of Fort Worth-based American and its parent, AMR Corp.

AMR and US Airways Group Inc. last week announced they plan to merge in an $11 billion deal. The agreement to create the world’s biggest airline also requires approval of U.S. antitrust regulators and shareholders. The companies expect to close the merger by the end of September.

Meanwhile, leaders of the pilot unions at both airlines met Thursday with US Airways executives, including CEO Doug Parker — who’ll run the combined company. Both unions support the deal.

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