United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby confirmed Monday that he had contacted American Airlines regarding a potential merger. The US airline rejected the possibility.

　　“I reached out to American Airlines to explore the possibility of a merger because I believe we can create extraordinary benefits for our customers together,” Kirby said in a statement. He stated that he shared his “grand vision” because he believed it would receive regulatory approval.

　　American Airlines rejected the idea, with its CEO Robert Isom stating last week that such a merger would be detrimental to customers and “anti-competitive.”

　　According to sources familiar with the matter, Kirby had raised the idea with the Trump administration earlier this year, but was not authorized to discuss the matter in private. He hoped the merger would create a large global airline to compete with foreign rivals.

　　The US declined to comment on Kirby’s statement Monday.

　　“I was hoping to pitch this story to American Airlines, but they refused to participate and instead publicly rejected it,” Kirby said in a statement Monday. “Such a large project simply cannot be completed without willing partners,” he said.

　　He stated, “American Airlines’ public statements have made it clear that such a merger is not possible in the foreseeable future,” but he outlined his vision for the merged airline.

　　Kirby reiterated that a gap exists in the airline industry between the U.S. and foreign airlines, which occupy more than half of the long-haul seats in the U.S., and whose passengers are mostly Americans.

　　He said, “The combined size of United and American Airlines would be a better way to compete with foreign airlines.”

　　Last week, President Donald Trump stated his opposition to the merger idea.

　　“I don’t like them merging,” he said Tuesday morning on CNBC’s “Squawk Box.” However, he expressed hope that someone would acquire the struggling low-cost carrier Spirit, but also suggested that the federal government could “help it out.”

　　Spirit Airlines and the Trump administration are in advanced negotiations regarding a bailout package.

Recommended related products:

S-093N 3BHB009885R0001
UMP3009 TRICONEX
TRICONEX TCM 4355X
TRICONEX TCM4355X
MP 3009 TRICONEX
3009 TRICONEX
51454926-176 FC-SCNT01
51454926-176 FC-SCNT02
GE 151X1235DB15NP03
GE 151X1235DB10SA01
GE 151X1235DB15SA03
GE 151X1207DC13SA21
GE 151X1235DB15SA01
151X1235BC01SA01 GE
GE 151X1233DB01SA01R3
GE 151X1233DB01SA01R4
GE 151X1233DB01SA01R
GE 151X1235DB15SA02
GE 151X1235DB15SA01
GE 151X1235DB15SA01
S-093N 3BHB009885R0021
ABB 3BHB009885R0001
More......