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04-04-2026 | 10:57 AM
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04-04-2026 | 10:57 AM
Gets Weekends Off
Joined: Aug 2020
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04-04-2026 | 11:01 AM
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04-04-2026 | 11:16 AM
Gets Weekends Off
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I agree that it feels unlikely but we’re all smart enough to know that timing, narrative, money and political influence all play a role in any M&A. If we actually start down that path with one of the large carriers I think the likelihood of it being approved is high. It’s become apparent we’re at the stage where there’s a lot of homework being done on what it would take to overcome regulatory hurdles. Whether this exploration results in actually going down that path is TBD and is the bigger question.
If for some reason this doesn’t work then I can see trying to tie up with a smaller carrier as an option but that’s only if we can’t dance with one of the big boys. This is of course my opinion only based on nothing but my own observations and experience. YMMV.
If for some reason this doesn’t work then I can see trying to tie up with a smaller carrier as an option but that’s only if we can’t dance with one of the big boys. This is of course my opinion only based on nothing but my own observations and experience. YMMV.
04-04-2026 | 11:37 AM
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Joined: Mar 2012
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I honestly don’t know how all of this will turn out, all that I am certain of is that those who are making those calls don’t come here for advice. I still think that the big 4 would rather wait it out and pay top dollar for the prime pieces in a bidding war than to take on the time and expense of a merger and end up with a bunch of unwanted debt, expenses, equipment, and employees just to acquire the few parts that they do want.
04-04-2026 | 11:58 AM
On Reserve
Joined: Jan 2008
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Top 2 or 3 are greedy. It does UA no favors to have to share assets and slots at JFK with say a Delta and AA. Kirby has said several times that if you're not #1 or #2 in a market you're not anything. If he wants to be top 2 billing at BOS, JFK and FLL, then waiting for a CH 7 which could be years away and then having to battle 1/2 dozen other airlines for scraps doesn't help your strategy. Sometimes you have to pay a premium to ensure you get what you want.
04-04-2026 | 01:07 PM
SDQ Base Chief
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 6,051
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From: 320 CA
I honestly don’t know how all of this will turn out, all that I am certain of is that those who are making those calls don’t come here for advice. I still think that the big 4 would rather wait it out and pay top dollar for the prime pieces in a bidding war than to take on the time and expense of a merger and end up with a bunch of unwanted debt, expenses, equipment, and employees just to acquire the few parts that they do want.
Last edited by Flyby1206; 04-04-2026 at 01:17 PM.
04-04-2026 | 01:51 PM
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Joined: May 2012
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If we’re just looking at percentages UAL is 70% of EWR, up 9% in LGA. In theory, UAL could give up significant slots at EWR and still maintain its #1 spot in an effort to gain access to JFK. As mentioned above Kirby was quite clear about the #1 and #2 claim.
The value in JFK, being able to become a presence, compete directly with AA and DAL is something I truly believe UAL covets.
Finally, if you are simply looking at percentages is would be difficult for the DOJ to deny the merger. Also keep in mind slots are available in JFK. Plenty of slots. Frontier is the perfect example.
The value in JFK, being able to become a presence, compete directly with AA and DAL is something I truly believe UAL covets.
Finally, if you are simply looking at percentages is would be difficult for the DOJ to deny the merger. Also keep in mind slots are available in JFK. Plenty of slots. Frontier is the perfect example.
04-04-2026 | 02:39 PM
SDQ Base Chief
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 6,051
Likes: 33
From: 320 CA
If we’re just looking at percentages UAL is 70% of EWR, up 9% in LGA. In theory, UAL could give up significant slots at EWR and still maintain its #1 spot in an effort to gain access to JFK. As mentioned above Kirby was quite clear about the #1 and #2 claim.
The value in JFK, being able to become a presence, compete directly with AA and DAL is something I truly believe UAL covets.
Finally, if you are simply looking at percentages is would be difficult for the DOJ to deny the merger. Also keep in mind slots are available in JFK. Plenty of slots. Frontier is the perfect example.
The value in JFK, being able to become a presence, compete directly with AA and DAL is something I truly believe UAL covets.
Finally, if you are simply looking at percentages is would be difficult for the DOJ to deny the merger. Also keep in mind slots are available in JFK. Plenty of slots. Frontier is the perfect example.
04-04-2026 | 05:43 PM
Line Holder
Joined: May 2012
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The good news, should UAL purchase B6, is the arbitrators decision in the B6/NK merger was not precedent setting. It may be considered influential but that’s the extent of it.
The numbers don’t support the notion UAL is a monopoly in the NE. In fact, DAL is
easier to accuse of that than anything.
The numbers don’t support the notion UAL is a monopoly in the NE. In fact, DAL is
easier to accuse of that than anything.
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