Skip to content

United CEO floated merger with American Airlines to Trump officials

newsApr 14, 20261060

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby proposed merging United with American Airlines during meetings with White House officials, including a private session with former President Donald Trump on April 13. United Airlines shares jumped sharply in premarket trading as investors reacted to the merger speculation. Kirby pitched the tie-up as a path to industry consolidation while seeking White House engagement on regulatory approval, a plan that would trigger intense antitrust scrutiny and reshape U.S. airline competition if pursued.

Key Highlights

Scott Kirby met with former President Donald Trump on April 13.
United Airlines shares jumped sharply in premarket trading on speculation.
A combined United and American would face intense antitrust scrutiny.
3 sources