Kirby Says American Rejected United Merger Approach

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby said he approached American about a combination, and American declined to engage. In a statement on April 27, 2026, Kirby said the discussion ended there, leaving a United-American merger off the table for the foreseeable future.

Scott Kirby Statement

Kirby said, "I approached American about exploring a combination because I thought we could do something incredible for customers together." He said any merger would have had to be great for customers and depend on "a willing partner that shared my big, bold vision."

He also said, "I was hoping to pitch that story to American, but they declined to engage and instead responded by publicly closing the door." Kirby added that "without a willing partner, something this big simply can't get done."

American Airlines Rebuff

The statement puts the focus on American's response. Kirby said American declined to engage, which ended the approach before any deal discussion could move forward. The comments leave no sign of a live combination effort between the two airlines.

Kirby tied the proposal to a broader strategy at United, saying the airline has spent the last several years building a brand loyal carrier by de-commoditizing travel, investing in the customer experience, and creating value for every customer. He said the effort he wanted to pursue was growth, not the kind of merger he said usually involves two struggling airlines cutting costs, flights, and headcount.

Growth Plan By Kirby

Kirby said, "The bold idea I wanted to pursue was about growth that would usher in a brand new era of leadership by U.S. aviation." He said combining United and American could scale United's customer-focused approach and create new opportunities for customers, employees, and the communities it serves.

In his statement, Kirby said the combined airline would have expanded service internationally and to smaller communities. He also said, "The truth is that in 2025 ticket prices were 29% cheaper than they were pre-pandemic (adjusted for inflation)."

For travelers and employees, the practical takeaway is that this approach did not advance because it depended on a willing partner, and American would not take part. Kirby's comments leave United pursuing its current strategy rather than a combination with American.