United Airlines CEO Stirred Up A Hornet’s Nest With Merger Hint

BusinessAerospace & DefenseUnited Airlines CEO Stirred Up A Hornet’s Nest With Merger HintByTed Reed,Senior Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Charlotte-based reporter Ted Reed covers airlines and airline labor.Follow AuthorApr 21, 2026, 12:08pm EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby speaks during a media event at LAX in March. (Photo by Patrick T. Fallon)AFP via Getty ImagesA week after a report surfaced that United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby “floated” the idea of an American Airlines/United Airlines merger with Trump administration officials, the concept doesn’t seem to have gained much support.In fact, it seems that Kirby stirred up a hornet’s nest when he raised the topic. Airline bloggers chatted about the supposed mergers for a week, and on Monday two prominent U.S. senators blasted the industry in a joint letter. Kirby will likely be asked to explain himself on United’s earnings call on Wednesday. Latest to dismiss the tie-up was President Trump, who spoke to CNBC Squawk Box on Tuesday morning.Asked about reports of an American/United merger, Trump said, “I just heard it a few days ago. I know them both very well. I don’t like it, no. I don’t mind mergers. I’d love someone to buy Spirit, as an example. U know Spirit’s in trouble.”However, Trump continued, “But with American, it’s doing fine. And United’s doing very well. know the United people. They’re doing very well. I don’t like having them merge.”Bloomberg first reported on Kirby’s suggestion late on Monday April 26, prompting the week of merger chatter. It is not known what Kirby said, or even how serious he was when he said it, or really much of anything about it, but on Friday American put an end to the speculation.American said it “is not engaged with or interested in any discussions regarding a merger with United Airlines” and that “a comb...