United Airlines CEO rules out major merger after rebuff

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby said a major merger is unlikely after American Airlines rejected a tie-up proposal, leaving the carrier to instead target opportunistic asset purchases. The pivot toward buying airport slots and gates comes as rising fuel costs pressure smaller competitors. This shift signals a move away from massive consolidation toward targeted growth in a bifurcated aviation market.

### Why United Is Pivoting to Asset Buys Kirby told Reuters during an interview in Brazil that while a large-scale merger is a low probability, United Airlines remains in the market for specific infrastructure. He noted that higher fuel prices are widening the gap between dominant brands and weaker rivals with less pricing power. United Airlines expects to recover the full impact of surging fuel costs through higher fares later this year.