United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby has proposed a potential merger with American Airlines — a move that could reshape the entire US aviation industry. According to multiple reports, Kirby pitched the idea directly to President Donald Trump at a White House meeting in late February 2026.
If approved, this merger would create the largest airline in the world, controlling roughly 30% of all US domestic air traffic.
United and American Airlines are already the world’s two largest airlines by available international capacity. A merger between the two would further tighten a domestic market already dominated by just four major carriers — American, Delta, United, and Southwest — each holding roughly 17% of domestic traffic.
Kirby’s argument to government officials is that a combined airline would be a stronger competitor in international markets, particularly against foreign carriers.
American Airlines shares jumped more than 5% in after-hours trading following the report. United shares remained relatively unchanged.
The timing is no coincidence. A US-Israeli conflict with Iran that began in late February caused jet fuel prices to surge sharply. Airlines across the board have raised fares and fees to offset these higher fuel costs.
American Airlines is currently the smallest of the big four US airlines by market value — approximately $7 billion, compared to United’s $31 billion, Southwest’s $19 billion, and Delta’s $44 billion. The Texas-based carrier also carries about $25 billion in long-term debt, leaving it financially vulnerable during this period of high fuel costs.
US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has already signaled that there is room for consolidation in the US airline industry.
A merger of this scale would have direct consequences for everyday travelers:
It is important to note that no formal merger proposal has been made yet. Both United and American Airlines declined to comment. The White House did not respond to requests for comment.
Any merger between two of America’s largest airlines would face intense regulatory scrutiny, even under the current business-friendly Trump administration. Antitrust regulators would closely examine the deal’s impact on competition and consumer pricing.
Industry analysts and pilot unions are already raising concerns. The Allied Pilots Association spokesperson called out American’s financial and operational underperformance as a significant factor in the conversation.
Stay tuned to this page for updates as this story develops.
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