United merger talk shifts focus to American CEO’s future: Experts

A bold merger proposal from United CEO Scott Kirby to President Donald Trump has left American Airlines’ CEO Robert Isom in the crosshairs, with analysts predicting the board may oust him in response to the potential industry shakeup.

Kirby reportedly lobbied Trump for his blessing on a merger that has fueled speculation that Isom is getting squeezed out.

“I suspect one of the outcomes will be that just this very suggestion is going to make the board of American and their unions turn around and say ‘get rid of Bob Isom,’” Michael Boyd, CEO of Boyd Group International, told FOX Business.

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United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby speaks during a joint press event with Boeing at the Boeing manufacturing facility in North Charleston, South Carolina, on Dec. 13, 2022. (Logan Cyrus/AFP via Getty Images)

Isom is already embroiled in a leadership crisis. In February, the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA) issued a unanimous no-confidence vote in Isom, citing a “relentless downward spiral” in his leadership. 

The Allied Pilots Association (APA) also published a blistering open letter stating their lack of confidence in American Airlines leadership.

Now, a reported meeting between Kirby and Trump in which the United CEO allegedly lobbied Trump for his blessing on a merger has fueled speculation that Isom is getting squeezed out.

American Airlines CEO Robert Isom has come under scrutiny as the head of the carrier. (Nathan Posner/Anadolu via Getty Images)

“This is a proud airline… but it’s an airline now that’s been, quite frankly, non-managed. As a result of that, I think the very fact that a competitor would say, ‘oh, we’ll take you over,’ is going to send that board into a tizzy,” Boyd said.

American Airlines said in a statement on Friday that it is “not engaged with or interested in” merger discussions with United.

“While changes in the broader airline marketplace may be necessary, a combination with United would be negative for competition and for consumers, and therefore inconsistent with our understanding of the Administration’s philosophy toward the industry and principles of antitrust law,” the carrier said. “Our focus will remain on executing on our strategic objectives and positioning American to win for the long term.”

United Airlines told FOX Business, “We don’t have anything to share.”

A potential deal could also face antitrust hurdles. (United Airlines)

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It also could be the masterstroke in a Kirby revenge tour after the United CEO was himself ousted as the president of American Airlines.

“This would be the ultimate comeuppance,” View From the Wing writer Gary Leff wrote.

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby, left, and American Airlines CEO Robert…