United Airlines CEO says big merger unlikely after American rebuff, asset buys possible

United says a full merger with American is unlikely after American rebuffed overtures, but United remains open to buying slots, gates or other assets if weaker rivals struggle.
CEO Scott Kirby argues higher fuel prices are helping brand-focused airlines pull ahead — United expects demand to stay strong and to recover fuel costs through higher fares.
Kirby ruled out big structural fixes like buying a refinery or relying on fuel hedges, and stressed any merger would need a “willing partner.”