United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby has confirmed that he proactively approached American Airlines to discuss a potential merger. Kirby stated that American Airlines rejected the proposal, acknowledging that such a significant consolidation plan cannot proceed without a willing partner.
On October 30, 2025, in Washington, D.C., United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby (left) and American Airlines CEO Robert Isom were seen outside the White House listening to U.S. Transportation Secretary Shawn Duffy address the media. That day, Kirby, Isom, and other airline executives joined a roundtable discussion with the U.S. Vice President and the Transportation Secretary to address the impacts of a government shutdown.
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby confirmed on Monday that he had initiated contact with American Airlines to explore a potential merger, but the proposal was explicitly rejected by American Airlines.
In a statement, Kirby said, "I reached out to American Airlines to explore a merger because I believe that by joining forces, we could create an exceptional service experience for travelers."
He proposed this ambitious and bold strategic vision, confident that the merger plan would receive regulatory approval.
American Airlines completely dismissed the merger proposal. Its CEO, Robert Isom, stated last week that such a merger would harm consumer interests and constitute anti-competitive behavior.
According to informed sources, Kirby had shared this idea with the Trump administration earlier this year, hoping that a powerful merger would create a major global airline, enhance overall competitiveness, and better rival overseas competitors.
In his Monday statement, Kirby said, "I had planned to present the full integration plan to American Airlines, but they refused to engage, publicly rejected the proposal, and completely closed the door on negotiations. Without a willing partner, this kind of massive industry consolidation is destined to fail."
Comments