US Airways, pilots near pension deal.

Byline: Lou Whiteman in Atlanta

Despite posturing to the contrary, US Airways Group Inc. and its pilots union closed in on an agreement that would allow the company to emerge from bankruptcy as scheduled, sources representing the sides said Friday, March 21.

Counsel for the Arlington, Va.-based airline told a U.S. Bankruptcy Court judge Thursday that the carrier had reached an impasse in talks with the pilots union on reducing the company's pension costs. With negotiations continuing, however, the parties said they expect a resolution within days, with an agreement possible as early as Saturday.

US Air has said it needs to exit Chapter 11 bankruptcy …