United Airlines CEO Pitched Mergers to Delta and American

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby approached Delta Air Lines and American Airlines to discuss potential mergers intended to expand the carrier's global reach. Kirby contacted Delta CEO Ed Bastian last year, prompting Delta to conduct preliminary due diligence before both companies decided not to pursue formal negotiations. A combined United and Delta entity would have created a $100 billion mega-carrier controlling roughly 50% of the U.S. domestic aviation market.

Earlier this year, Kirby also explored a merger with American Airlines, but CEO Robert Isom rejected the proposal, calling the idea anticompetitive. Reports indicate that any such mega-merger would have faced severe antitrust scrutiny and legal hurdles from the United States Department of Justice, mirroring the blocked JetBlue-Spirit Airlines acquisition.

Despite these efforts, Kirby has recently shifted his public stance. At the International Air Transport Association's annual meeting, he described major consolidation as a low probability. While he stated that consolidation is unlikely for United, he noted the airline remains open to purchasing specific assets such as airport slots and gates.