# United CEO Scott Kirby Floats Idea of Acquiring American Airlines

_Apr 14 05:24_

Tags: American Airlines, JetBlue, United Airlines, Latin America, US, airline, merger & acquisition, safety & operations, industry news

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby has pitched a potential acquisition of American Airlines to senior government officials, according to Bloomberg

## Summary

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby, a former president of American Airlines, has floated the idea of merging with or acquiring American Airlines to senior government officials. The proposition, reported by Bloomberg, would face intense regulatory scrutiny but could create a massive carrier with significant monopoly power on travel to Latin America. Kirby previously left American after it became clear he wouldn't become CEO. While a United-JetBlue acquisition is also considered plausible for JFK access, the United-American combination would likely result in a combined loyalty program potentially named MileageAdvantage and a corporate name of United American Airlines (UAA). This represents a major potential shift in the airline industry structure

## Why it matters

Affects 3 airline programs (American Airlines, JetBlue, United Airlines).

## Sources cited

- [LoyaltyLobby](https://loyaltylobby.com/2026/04/14/united-airlines-ceo-has-floated-the-idea-of-buying-american-airlines?omhide=true) — United Airlines CEO Has Floated The Idea Of Buying American Airlines

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