British Airways to Sell Stake in USAir

British Airways, which is courting American Airlines, is getting a divorce from USAir, which has been asking to part company. British Airways said it will sell its nearly 25% interest in USAir and remove its three directors from the carrier’s board. USAir had demanded the move in a lawsuit filed against British Airways after BA announced plans for a partnership with American. USAir called the move “an important first step” but said it will continue its court case to try to repair the damage allegedly done to its business when British Airways cozied up to American. USAir has an option to repurchase its stock held by British Airways in the next 60 days, but it would not say whether it plans to do so.