A version of the following article appeared in the April 20, 2026, edition of The Charlotte Ledger, an e-newsletter with local business-y news and insights for Charlotte, N.C.
Need to subscribe — or upgrade your Ledger e-newsletter subscription? Details here.
American says it’s not interested in merging with United; would be ‘negative for competition’
American Airlines says it’s not interested in merging with United Airlines. (Photo: Shutterstock)
by Tony Mecia
American Airlines has broken its silence on the idea of a mega-airline merger, saying it is not interested in talking with rival United Airlines about joining forces.
A report from Bloomberg News last Monday disclosed that United’s CEO had talked with President Donald Trump in February about the possibility of merging with American. Analysts said such a combination seemed unlikely because of antitrust concerns. The airlines declined to discuss the idea.
Late Friday, American released a statement that said it is “not engaged with or interested in any discussion regarding a merger with United Airlines. While changes in the broader airline marketplace may be necessary, a combination with United would be negative for competition and for consumers.”
It also praised “the leadership and strong support of President Trump, Secretary [Sean] Duffy and numerous other leaders in the Administration who have demonstrated expertise and an ongoing commitment to continue to improve the world’s best aviation industry.”
A bipartisan group of senators expressed concern about the potential of an American-United merger, writing to the CEOs of both companies and asking them to provide details of discussions and possible effects on fares, routes and workers, the Wall Street Journal reported Monday.
Some industry watchers theorized that the discussion of an American-United merger was a trial balloon for United’s ambitions to merge with another carrier, such as JetBlue, which is reportedly assessing whether to sell itself to another airline.
Delta Air Lines’ CEO noted last week that high fuel prices have traditionally led to consolidation in the airline industry. Jet fuel prices have more than doubled since the end of February and are at all-time highs.
Related Ledger article:
“Airline merger talk: What it means for Charlotte” (April 15)