US EditionUnited Ends Pursuit of American Airlines After Merger Approach Rebuffed
Scott Kirby said the deal could have created tens of thousands of unionized jobs and expanded service, but American declined to engage.
- On Monday, United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby confirmed that United is ending its pursuit of a merger with American Airlines after the carrier declined to engage in discussions.
- American Airlines CEO Robert Isom flatly rejected Kirby's proposal in recent weeks, describing the potential merger as "a nonstarter from the get-go" and "bad for customers."
- Kirby maintained the merger would have created "high-paying, unionized jobs" and strengthened global competitiveness, though critics warned the consolidation would be "anticompetitive" and harmful to consumers.
- President Donald Trump and lawmakers including Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Sen. Mike Lee had previously expressed strong opposition, cautioning that a United-American combination would weaken industry competition.
- Despite the failed merger, United will continue focusing on its existing strategy, with Kirby asserting that the company's "mission to build the greatest airline in the history of aviation at United is well underway.
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24 Articles
Mid Florida Newspapers
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby says a tie-up with American Airlines would be good for travelers
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby on Monday outlined why he thinks a merger between his airline and rival American would benefit travelers, despite American’s refusal to engage in negotiations. The stocks of both airlines soared two weeks ago when reports…
United CEO takes merger with American Airlines off the table
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby took his proposed merger with American Airlines off the table on Monday after it generated backlash from antitrust experts, lawmakers, and President Donald Trump. Two weeks ago, reports surfaced of Kirby floating the potential merger with Trump during a private meeting in late February. Since then, the deal has been widely panned as one that would further reduce competition in an industry that is already highly co…
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