American Airlines CEO will speak to pilots' union

Keith Wilson, president of the Allied Pilots Association, said Horton is scheduled to talk about the airline's bankruptcy restructuring "and his view of the future."

American's three unions favor a merger that would turn over management of the company to US Airways executives. Horton hasn't ruled out a merger but has hinted that he might favor American emerging from bankruptcy protection on its own.

Last week pilots ratified a new contract that gives them 13.5 percent ownership of American's parent, AMR Corp., after it emerges from bankruptcy. This week, creditors invited the pilots' union to join talks between AMR and US Airways Group Inc. on a potential merger.

"As the new owners of a significant percentage of the restructured airline, it's APA's responsibility to maximize the value of our investment by conducting thorough due diligence," Wilson said in a memo to members Wednesday. "I believe the APA leadership needs to hear what Mr. Horton has to say."