Kirby pitches UA merger with AA (link)
04-14-2026 | 05:43 AM
#21
Line Holder
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 233
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From: Cramped 737 Left Seat
If the DOJ anti trust people wouldn’t allow the JetBlue/Spirit merger or other similar smaller airline mergers due to loss of competition, I would highly doubt they would be OK with this behemoth 🤷♂️🤷♂️
04-14-2026 | 06:08 AM
#22
Gets Weekends Off
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 3,746
Likes: 97
From: 1900D CA
Trump loves big deals. They'll be happy to approve the deal between United and AA as long as they rename the new airline Trump Airlines and have plenty of gold on the new livery.
04-14-2026 | 06:27 AM
#23
off weekends (if Reserve)
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04-14-2026 | 06:34 AM
#24
Line Holder
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,980
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From: 737 CAPT
It's not the administration, DOT or DOJ who will have the ultimate say. It's the courts. There will be lawsuits by consumer groups or other entities no matter which airlines pursue mergers. The AA/B6 Northeast Alliance was essentially scuttled by a court. That's not to say a merger wouldn't make its way to SCOTUS, but I'm not aware of any merger objections getting past the District Court level. Despite he who thinks he's in-charge and can heal all as a "Red Cross doctor" the courts will look at any tie-ups and have the final say.
04-14-2026 | 06:43 AM
#25
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Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 233
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From: Cramped 737 Left Seat
Give it a rest dude. This isn’t political, it’s common sense.
04-14-2026 | 06:53 AM
#26
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Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 389
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As someone without a new hire class date I am definitely hoping this isn't the first of a series of ideas "pushed" to make a merger with B6 (AA is surely not happening..right?) happen.. Selfishly, I can imagine that would effectively push any idea of a class date well into the future..
04-14-2026 | 07:02 AM
#27
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Joined: Jan 2016
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Other than some JFK slots, what does JetBlue have that United even wants? A bunch of 220’s and CEO’s that would be parked, a handful of 321Neos’ that would have to go through expensive and time consuming conversions, a bigger presence in a historically low yielding FLL market, a mountain of debt? I just don’t see the reality of a JB merger when all Kirby really wants is some slots at JFK. The expense, time, and mess that a merger would bring isn’t remotely worth it.
As to a potential merger with AA, I’d love to be a fly on the wall if that was ever seriously pitched to the feds. Their reaction would be entertaining.
As to a potential merger with AA, I’d love to be a fly on the wall if that was ever seriously pitched to the feds. Their reaction would be entertaining.
04-14-2026 | 07:22 AM
#28
On Reserve
Joined: Jan 2022
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It's not the administration, DOT or DOJ who will have the ultimate say. It's the courts. There will be lawsuits by consumer groups or other entities no matter which airlines pursue mergers. The AA/B6 Northeast Alliance was essentially scuttled by a court. That's not to say a merger wouldn't make its way to SCOTUS, but I'm not aware of any merger objections getting past the District Court level. Despite he who thinks he's in-charge and can heal all as a "Red Cross doctor" the courts will look at any tie-ups and have the final say.
I don’t agree with Young’s ruling of course, but it’s there and setting precedent. I believe JetBlue and Spirit should have easily gone through.
If United wants to buy anything it better do it in this administration. It’s the chance to subvert our legal system and the precedent set.
04-14-2026 | 07:23 AM
#29
Line Holder
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 808
Likes: 228
the midterms will effectively neuter him and all his hopes and dreams. this is a nothing burger
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