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United CEO reportedly floated merger with Delta Air Lines
Fox Business • • business
Key Points:
- United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby approached Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian last year to discuss a potential merger between the two major U.S. carriers, but talks did not progress beyond preliminary evaluation.
- Delta's leadership conducted preliminary due diligence on the proposal but ultimately decided not to pursue the merger, and both airlines moved on from the discussions.
- A merger between United and Delta would have significant implications for the airline industry and likely face regulatory scrutiny from federal antitrust authorities and state attorneys general.
- Earlier this year, Kirby also explored a merger with American Airlines, which was rejected and criticized by American’s CEO as "anticompetitive."
- Despite these merger talks, Kirby recently indicated that United is unlikely to pursue major consolidation but remains interested in acquiring airport assets such as slots and gates to expand its global reach.
