United Chief Proposes Merger with Rival American Airlines

The chief executive of UNITED AIRLINES HOLDINGS INC has taken his competitive struggle with a major rival to the White House, pitching a potential merger to the president. Scott Kirby, who has long maintained that the United States can only support two truly global premium carriers, reportedly met with President Donald Trump on February 25 to discuss a tie-up with AMERICAN AIRLINES GROUP INC. The proposal appeals to the administration's stated goal of fostering domestic corporate champions capable of dominating international markets.

Kirby’s vision for industry consolidation is rooted in his history with both companies. Having served as a senior executive at American during its 2013 merger with US Airways, he later joined United and has spent years competing for dominance at major hubs like Chicago O'Hare. During a conference in March 2025, Kirby reflected on his long-term outlook for the sector.