# United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby says he tried to negotiate a merger with American.

*business · news · 2026-04-27 · Spokane Spokesman-Review*

## Key points

- United Airlines' CEO Scott Kirby confirmed he proposed a merger with American Airlines for the first time.
- American Airlines publicly rejected United's merger proposal and declined to engage in discussions.
- The merger would have created the world's largest airline and was pitched as beneficial for U.S. interests.
- Reports reveal Kirby floated the merger idea to President Trump and administration officials earlier this month.
- Aviation experts believe current administration openness and industry conditions make airline mergers more feasible now.

**Companies:** American Airlines, United Airlines
**Countries:** United States

[Read the full story on Spokane Spokesman-Review](https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2026/apr/27/united-airlines-says-it-pitched-american-on-merger/)

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