United CEO Scott Kirby Says American Discussed Merger Pitch Before Rejecting It

November 1, 2026 — United Airlines (UA) CEO Scott Kirby is again making headlines with his views on a United–American tie-up and on the aircraft makers, saying in a new Dallas Morning News interview that American Airlines had discussed his merger idea before publicly rejecting it.

Airline: United Airlines (UA) · Country: United States

What happened

Merger comments. As reported by View from the Wing on October 31, Kirby said American “talked to us and they hadn’t said no.” He said he texted American CEO Robert Isom, who said he would call back, and that he then read American’s public statement. American’s April 17, 2026 statement said it was not engaged with or interested in any merger discussions with United. American disputes Kirby’s latest account but has not given details. Kirby acknowledged that domestic divestitures would be needed for any deal, and repeated his interest in a larger Miami presence and more JFK access. No talks are under way.

Aircraft makers. In a podcast posted October 27, Kirby described Boeing and Airbus as a “global duopoly” that has avoided investing in new airframes. He said he has spent more than 20 years asking both for a 757 replacement and called for a third manufacturer. Aviation A2Z noted this is Kirby’s own assessment, not evidence of any agreement between the two companies. United already holds a conditional agreement, signed April 24, 2025, for 100 JetZero blended-wing aircraft plus 100 options; JetZero is targeting a full-scale demonstrator flight in 2027.

What it means for non-revs

No change today. There is no merger, no talks and no effect on pass travel, reciprocal agreements or schedules. American has said publicly it is not interested.
Worth watching. A United–American combination would reshape pass benefits, seniority and reciprocal travel for a huge share of US airline employees. For now it remains a CEO talking point, not a proposal.
Fleet angle: Kirby’s push for a 757 replacement reflects the gap in mid-size, long-range aircraft. Any new type is years away, so it does not affect seat counts or loads in the near term.