FORT WORTH, Texas – American Airlines is marking a merger milestone and US Airways is one step closer toward extinction.

The Federal Aviation Administration on Wednesday granted the two airlines the authority to operate as a single carrier.

The FAA decision means that American Airlines Group Inc. can combine work forces, websites and reservations systems starting this fall, but passengers won’t notice much difference right away.

Eventually the US Airways name will disappear and its planes will be repainted in American’s colours and logo. The company has already combined the two frequent-flier programs.

The company, formed by a December 2013 merger, is marking the FAA decision with a celebration at its headquarters in Fort Worth.