United CEO Sidesteps Merger Topic, Says Assets of Interest
April 22, 2026
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10:26Now PlayingUnited CEO Sidesteps Merger Topic, Says Assets of Interest
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as posted by the channelUnited Airlines Holdings Inc. Chief Executive Officer Scott Kirby spoke to Lisa Abramowicz in Chicago about jet fuel prices, earnings and travel demand. as well as conversations with one airline about buying some assets. United Airlines Holdings Inc. Chief Executive Officer Scott Kirby sidestepped questions about a potential merger with American Airlines Group Inc. while acknowledging that the current climate of high costs and struggling rivals might offer opportunities for deals.
Kirby said in an interview with Bloomberg TV’s Lisa Abramowicz that his goal is to “create a truly global airline that all US citizens can be proud of,” though he declined to say if a transformational deal would be part of that plan. At the same time, he revealed that he’s considered some possibilities.
United shares fell by about 6% at 11:30 a.m. New York time.
“As I look at assets, we have had discussions with one airline about buying some,” Kirby said, without naming the target. Kirby spoke after the carrier reported earnings for the quarter, and a good week after Bloomberg News reported that he’d entertained the idea of combining with American Airlines. In a separate interview with CNBC on Wednesday, Kirby said it was “not appropriate” for him to comment on what the interviewer called “the elephant in the room.”
Read More: Trump Wants Buyer for Spirit, Pans United-American Merger (4)
The higher costs have left some airlines struggling more than others, raising the possibility of consolidation in the aviation industry. US President Donald Trump said Tuesday he wouldn’t favor a United-American transaction because both airlines are doing well on their own and because mergers can make companies complacent.
American has also said it wasn’t interested.
Airfares are about 15% to 20% higher now, and that will affect bookings, Kirby said Wednesday. United is monitoring jet fuel supplies but doesn’t see a shortage now, he said.
Responding to a report that Trump is nearing a financial rescue package for Spirit Aviation Holdings Inc., Kirby said Spirit’s business model was flawed even before fuel prices soared and hopes that the government doesn’t continue to bail out already-failing businesses.
Read More: Trump Administration Nears $500 Million Spirit Rescue Deal (1)
“I think that we’re proving right now that well-run airlines like United Airlines can be profitable and certainly don’t need bailouts in a time like this,” Kirby said on a Wednesday call with analysts.
“It’s been pretty obvious that Spirit’s business model was fundamentally flawed, and the airline was not going to be able to make it or ever
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