The US aviation market almost underwent a dramatic shake-up: United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby revealed that he recently approached major rival American Airlines with a proposal to explore a merger between the two companies, a move that would have created an unprecedented aviation giant.
According to Kirby, the vision was clear: "something phenomenal for customers," as he put it. He also said it was a "big and bold" move that could have won regulatory approval, and even tried to advance the idea with the Trump administration earlier this year. But that is where the story took a sharp turn.
"Off the table from the start"
The other side was far from enthusiastic. American Airlines CEO Robert Isom made clear that such a move would be "anti-competitive," would be bad for customers, and described it as "not relevant and off the table from the beginning."
The company itself chose not to issue an official response, but the message was clear: There is nothing to discuss.
Kirby acknowledged that "without a partner willing to engage in the process, a move like this simply cannot happen," adding that American's public comments shut the door, at least for the near future.
Why even try?
Behind the idea stood a broader view. According to Kirby, foreign airlines hold more than half the seats on long-haul flights to the United States, while most of the passengers are actually Americans.
He argued that such a merger would have created a stronger competitive force against international airlines, especially on long-haul routes.
Another figure who poured cold water on the idea was President Donald Trump himself, who said he did not support a merger between the two companies.
