Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
Business
Lauren Aratani, Michael Sainato and agencies

United Airlines CEO reportedly pitched merger with American, sparking competition fears

united airlines plane sits on runway as american airlines plane lands in background
American Airlines and United Airlines were already the world’s two biggest airlines by available capacity, including international flights, last year. Photograph: Joshua Roberts/Reuters

The CEO of United Airlines is said to have pitched a blockbuster merger with American Airlines during a meeting with Donald Trump, floating the combination of the world’s two largest carriers.

Scott Kirby, who leads United, raised the prospect during an encounter with the US president in late February, Reuters reported, citing two unnamed sources. Such a deal would overhaul the global air travel industry – and would likely face intense competition scrutiny.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.