Story perspectives

United CEO's Merger Pitch to Delta Falters Amid Antitrust Fears

7/27/2026

Summary

Story summary

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby called Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian in 2025 to propose a merger.
Delta’s diligence failed, leading Wall Street Journal to value the airline at $100 billion ($56 billion for Delta, $38 billion for United) and analysts to warn of an antitrust review that could force slot divestitures.
Scott Kirby pitched a merger to American Airlines CEO Robert Isom, who called it anticompetitive, and later said consolidation is unlikely.

History

Historical Context

In April 2008 Delta Air Lines announced a $17.7 billion merger with Northwest Airlines that created the world’s largest carrier, operating 786 aircraft under the Delta brand after DOJ approval on October 29, 2008. Led by CEO Richard Anderson, the combination reshaped hub networks. The 2025 United-Delta merger talks now face similar antitrust review, echoing that precedent.

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Story summary

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby called Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian in 2025 to propose a merger.
Delta’s diligence failed, leading Wall Street Journal to value the airline at $100 billion ($56 billion for Delta, $38 billion for United) and analysts to warn of an antitrust review that could force slot divestitures.
Scott Kirby pitched a merger to American Airlines CEO Robert Isom, who called it anticompetitive, and later said consolidation is unlikely.

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