Judge Puts Brakes On AA's Federal Suit; Sabre To Sit Out Mediation

A U.S. district court judge today granted a request by American Airlines, Orbitz and Travelport to temporarily suspend the carrier's federal antitrust suit against distributors. Those parties now turn their attention to a potential out-of-court settlement. Sabre, the third defendant, is not expected to take part in the upcoming round of mediation, set for mid-December, according to court documents. AA in court filings has characterized its previous settlement talks with Sabre as "fruitless."