Union: American, US Airways execs meet with pilots

The Allied Pilots Association at American Airlines disclosed the meetings in a hotline message to members Wednesday. The message said the meetings are ongoing and include management from both airlines.

The discussions are aimed at agreeing on a "memorandum of understanding" that would be a preliminary agreement for an eventual pilot contract if a merger happens, the message said. Pilot contracts are one of the most difficult parts of an airline merger.

US Airways has said publicly that it wants a merger with American while it reorganizes under bankruptcy protection. Executives at American have said they want to look at possible mergers after they emerge from bankruptcy.