# United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby has proposed a merger with American Airlines.

*business · news · 2026-05-05 · The Manila Times*

## Key points

- APA president Nick Silva praised United CEO Scott Kirby's merger idea as 'transformative,' despite no endorsement.
- APA is being approached by parties interested in alternative plans for American Airlines' future.
- American management explicitly asked if anyone is trying to get pilots on board with alternative plans, and APA confirmed yes.
- Labor groups at American are publicly pressing for leadership changes and more ambitious strategy, linking performance to governance.
- Kirby's merger idea was discussed in a February meeting with Trump, who opposes the merger due to antitrust concerns.

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

[Read the full story on The Manila Times](https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/05/06/business/foreign-business/american-pilots-union-chief-says-united-ceos-merger-idea-showed-bold-vision/2336346)

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