- Scott Kirby confirmed he approached American Airlines about a merger.
- The talks ended after American declined to engage.
- Mr Kirby posted the statement on Monday.
- The proposal aimed to create additional jobs and economic benefits.
- A combined airline would have operated as a global competitor.
United Airlines chief executive officer Scott Kirby has addressed speculation about the rebuffed approach to American Airlines Group, and he continues to outline the case for a possible merger. He confirmed that he initiated contact with the rival carrier. The discussions did not advance.
In the statement posted on Monday Mr Kirby described potential benefits that included an economic boost and new jobs. He presented the idea of building a truly globally competitive airline through the combination. He noted that the merger could have strengthened corporate America and secured regulatory approval.
American Airlines declined to engage after the initial approach. Mr Kirby explained that without a willing partner such a large transaction could not proceed. He released the detailed statement following the end of talks. Mr Kirby explained that the merger could have delivered an economic boost and created additional jobs while forming a truly globally competitive airline. He stated that the combination would have strengthened corporate America and received approval from regulators. American Airlines responded by publicly closing the door on further discussions.
The chief executive released the lengthy statement after the initial approach failed to progress. He addressed the rationale for exploring the merger. Without a willing partner the proposal could not advance.
Scott Kirby shared: “II approached American about exploring a combination because I thought we could do something incredible for customers together. I was hoping to pitch that story to American, but they declined to engage and instead responded by publicly closing the door.. Without a willing partner, something this big simply cannot get done.
