# Kirby rose at America West to become the top lieutenant to CEO Doug Parker.

*business · news · 2026-04-18 · Fortune*

## Key points

- Scott Kirby, now CEO of United, was previously president at American and key to its past turnarounds.
- American Airlines removed premium seats and focused on low fares, targeting low-cost carriers, not Delta or United.
- American’s COVID survival strategy involved taking on large debt, leaving it with persistent financial weakness.
- American's market capitalization is about $8 billion, far below United and Delta despite similar revenue size.

**Companies:** American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, U.S. Airways
**Countries:** United States

[Read the full story on Fortune](https://fortune.com/2026/04/18/united-american-merger-ceo-scott-kirby/)

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