FORT WORTH -- A new trial judge is scheduled to hear opening arguments today in American Airlines' antitrust lawsuit against Southlake-based Sabre Holdings, after another judge was forced to recuse himself.
On Monday, 67th District Judge Don Cosby was removed from the case after an administrative judge said his ties to a local charity supported by American could be perceived as a conflict of interest.Cosby sits on the board of directors at the Lena Pope Home, a Fort Worth charity that provides family counseling for at-risk children. In its motion seeking Cosby's recusal, Sabre said American has made a "substantial financial contribution" to the Lena Pope Home since the lawsuit was filed.American argued in another court document that the charity receives "broad support from people and businesses throughout this county," adding that Sabre and its lawyers have made "repeated contributions" to the Lena Pope Home and its school.Sabre said the only donation it has made since the lawsuit was filed amounted to less than $15, to match an employee's donation through the company's charitable-matching program.A jury has already been selected for the trial. Judge David Cleveland will now preside.At issue are fees American and other airlines pay the big travel reservation systems to display flights and make bookings. American wants more of its travel partners, such as travel agencies and websites, to connect directly to American's own reservation system, which would save the airline booking fees.Sabre and American have been involved in several lawsuits since January 2011, when Sabre temporarily made it more difficult for travel agents to find American's fares in its distribution system. The two companies then tried to negotiate a new contract through the spring but renewed legal action against each other this summer.They have a temporary agreement in place that keeps American's fares in Sabre's travel reservation system through the end of the litigation. American has accused Sabre of antitrust violations and says Sabre organized an industry boycott with Orbitz and its parent company, Travelport, to block American's direct connect system.Andrea Ahles, 817-390-7631Twitter: @Sky_TalkHave more to add? News tip? Tell us
