American Airlines Group Inc. has stated that it is not engaged with or interested in any discussions regarding a merger with rival United Airlines Holdings Inc. The announcement dampens the prospect of a tie-up that could reshape the industry and create the largest airline on the planet.
The statement follows reports that United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby had pitched the potential megadeal to President Trump.
While American Airlines has denied the talks, industry insiders suggest that a tie-up between the first and fourth largest U.S. carriers cannot be completely ruled out, despite the hurdles such a deal would face.