United CEO confirms merger approach to American Airlines; talks ended after rejection

United Airlines Holdings, Inc.

CEO Scott Kirby approached American Airlines about a combination but American declined to engage, ending merger pursuit.
Proposed merger would have focused on growth, customer investment, and global competitiveness, not cost-cutting.
Kirby believed regulatory approval possible with divestitures; without a willing partner the deal cannot proceed.
United will continue its standalone strategy: investing in customer experience, technology, and network expansion.
Combined airline would have created tens of thousands of unionized jobs and boosted U.S. manufacturing.

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