United Airlines confirms merger proposal to rival American Airlines, which rejects it

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby confirmed Monday that the company had approached its rival, American Airlines, with a merger proposal. However, American Airlines "shut the door" on the possibility, according to Kirby.

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I reached out to American to explore a potential merger because I thought together we could do something incredible for customers (...). I hoped to be able to present that proposal to American, but they refused to participate and instead responded by publicly shutting the door.

"I reached out to American to explore a potential merger because I thought together we could do something incredible for customers (...). I hoped to be able to present that proposal to American, but they refused to participate and instead responded by publicly shutting the door," Kirby stated in a press release. "Without a willing partner, something this big simply cannot be done," he added.

American Airlines had previously denied any interest in a merger, deeming such an operation "negative for competition and consumers." The company acknowledged that the airline market might need "changes," but stated that a merger did not align with its "understanding of the Administration's philosophy toward the industry and the principles of antitrust law."

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Without a willing partner, something this big simply cannot be done.

Kirby, however, believed that uniting the two companies could expand a customer-centric focus, create new opportunities for employees and communities, and establish a new American airline capable of global leadership. He also suggested that regulators would have approved the deal, recognizing its benefits for customers, employees, and communities worldwide. Reports indicate Kirby had discussed the idea with the Trump administration earlier this year, though President Trump himself expressed opposition.

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negative for competition and consumers