(TEMPE, AZ) -- US Airways, with it's largest hub in Charlotte, reached agreements with the unions representing nearly 55,000 American Airlines workers on what the combined airlines would look like.  The three unions on Friday publicly confirmed that they would support a US Airway/American Airlines merger.

While the agreements do not mean a merger of the two carriers will happen, it is a major step in what could end up being a hostile takeover attempt by US Airways.  Bankrupt American Airlines has said it is focusing on a reorganization plan.

In a letter to employees, US Airway Chairman and CEO, W. Douglas Parker said he hopes all parties can work together to make the merger happen. "After studying American Airlines’ current state and their future plans, we have concluded that a merger with American, while they are undergoing their bankruptcy restructuring, represents a unique opportunity that we should not ignore," said Parker.

He assured employees in the letter, that was also filed with the SEC, that combining the two airlines would create a carrier with the enhanced scale and breadth required to compete more effectively and profitably. "Our intention would be to put our two complementary networks together, maintaining both airlines’ existing hubs and aircraft, and create an airline that could compete successfully with United, Delta and other carriers within our industry."