United Airlines reportedly approached Delta Air Lines last year about a potential merger that would have combined two of the largest U.S. carriers, according to The Wall Street Journal, which cited people familiar with the matter [1]. United CEO Scott Kirby contacted Delta CEO Ed Bastian to pitch the tie-up, and Delta's leadership discussed the proposal and evaluated its potential benefits as part of 'preliminary due diligence.' However, the talks did not advance, and both airlines ultimately moved on [1].
A United spokesperson told FOX Business the airline had 'nothing to share,' while Delta declined to comment on the matter [1]. The Wall Street Journal noted that a merger between United and Delta would have had sweeping implications for the airline industry and likely faced scrutiny from federal antitrust regulators and state attorneys general [1].
The report also revealed that United CEO Scott Kirby explored a possible merger with American Airlines earlier this year, but American rejected the proposal, with CEO Robert Isom criticizing the idea as 'anticompetitive' [1]. Kirby has since downplayed the likelihood that United will pursue a major merger, stating at the International Air Transport Association’s annual meeting in Rio de Janeiro, 'I think consolidation is unlikely for United. That doesn't mean we won't still be in the market to buy assets, but consolidation is a low probability' [1].
Stock prices mentioned in the article include United Airlines at $118.27, up 2.54%, and Delta Air Lines at $85.06, up 3.77% [1].
CONCLUSION
United Airlines' reported merger proposals to Delta and American Airlines did not progress, with both companies moving on and United's CEO signaling that major consolidation is unlikely. The news highlights ongoing industry interest in expansion but suggests regulatory and competitive concerns remain significant barriers. Market reaction appears positive for both United and Delta, as reflected in their stock price increases.