United Airlines CEO Confirms Contact with American Airlines Regarding Merger
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby confirmed he approached American Airlines about a potential merger, but the proposal was rejected. Kirby stated he proposed exploring a merger because he believes they could create incredible value for customers together. He shared a "grand and bold vision" and believed it would gain regulatory approval.
American Airlines rejected the idea, with its CEO Robert Isom stating last week that such a merger would be detrimental to customers and "anti-competitive."
According to a source familiar with the matter, Kirby raised the idea with the Trump administration earlier this year, hoping the merger would create a large global airline capable of competing with foreign rivals.
Kirby said in a statement on Monday, “I had hoped to lay out this vision to American Airlines, but they declined to engage and responded by publicly slamming the door. Without a willing partner, something of this magnitude simply cannot be pursued.”