# United Airlines CEO Probed Merger With Delta

_Jul 27 05:46_

Tags: American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, United Airlines, US, airline, merger & acquisition, industry news

United CEO Scott Kirby contacted Delta CEO Ed Bastian to probe a potential merger, following a previous proposal to merge with American Airlines

## Summary

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby reached out to Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian to probe a potential merger between the two carriers, according to the Wall Street Journal. This follows a previous pitch by Kirby to the US administration to merge United with American Airlines, which American shot down. Preliminary due diligence was conducted by Delta, but talks did not progress. The proposal faces anticompetitive scrutiny, and United's lower market value suggests Delta would likely lead any combination

Sources add:
• One Mile at a Time: Wild: United CEO Scott Kirby Approached Delta About A Merger, But Was Rejected A few months ago we learned how United CEO Scott Kirby had reportedly approached American CEO Robert Isom about the concept of a merger

## Why it matters

Affects 4 airline programs (American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue...).

## What each source adds

- **One Mile at a Time**: Wild: United CEO Scott Kirby Approached Delta About A Merger, But Was Rejected A few months ago we learned how United CEO Scott Kirby had reportedly approached American CEO Robert Isom about the concept of a merger

## Sources cited

- [LoyaltyLobby](https://loyaltylobby.com/2026/07/27/united-airlines-ceo-probed-merger-with-delta-after-shutdown-by-aa?omhide=true) — United Airlines CEO Probed Merger With Delta (After Shutdown By AA)
- [One Mile at a Time](https://onemileatatime.com/news/united-ceo-scott-kirby-approached-delta-merger-rejected) — Wild: United CEO Scott Kirby Approached Delta About A Merger, But Was Rejected

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