Updated

US Airways (NYSE:LCC) Chief Executive Doug Parker said on Wednesday he wants the airline to be a strong stand-alone carrier but be ready to merge with another major carrier if the opportunity arises.

Speaking at a company media event, Parker, a long-time proponent of airline mergers, said consolidation has made the industry stronger.

"I'd like to be in the position Continental was in when they were talking to United," Parker said of two rivals that eventually merged to form the new United Airlines (NYSE:UAL)