United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby reportedly proposed a merger with American Airlines during a February 25 meeting with former President Donald Trump, according to a Reuters report. The discussion allegedly took place toward the end of a White House meeting focused on the future of Washington Dulles International Airport. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy was also present, though his stance on the proposal remains unclear.
Industry analysts note that such a merger would create the world’s largest airline by fleet size and market share, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape. ‘Consolidation at this scale would face intense regulatory scrutiny,’ said an aviation policy expert familiar with antitrust concerns. The Biden administration has taken a tougher stance on mergers than the Trump White House, which approved several major corporate consolidations.
Neither United nor American Airlines immediately commented on the reported proposal. A former DOT official suggested the discussion may have been exploratory rather than a formal proposal, telling sources ‘airline CEOs frequently float ideas that never materialize.’ The Reuters report cites three unnamed individuals briefed on the meeting.
If pursued, the merger would likely trigger review by both the Justice Department and Transportation Department. Some consumer advocates warn that reduced competition could lead to higher fares, while airline executives argue consolidation improves operational efficiency. The proposal emerges as airlines face pressure to reduce costs amid fluctuating travel demand.