American pilots union chief says United CEO's merger idea showed 'bold vision'

An American Airlines Airbus A321 taxis at San Diego International Airport as a United Airlines airplane departs on Aug. 24, 2024 in San Diego, California. Kevin Carter | News | The head of American Airlines ' pilots union told members that United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby's merger idea showed the kind of "bold vision" the carrier needs, even as the union stopped short of endorsing a tie-up between the two airlines. In an email to pilots on Monday, seen by Reuters, Allied Pilots Association President Nick Silva said Kirby's vision could be "transformative" for passengers, communities and American Airlines pilots. Silva's message shows how Kirby's rejected proposal has become a new pressure point inside American. APA is not backing a merger, but its president is using the idea to argue that American needs a more ambitious strategy and stronger leadership to close the gap with rivals. "(Kirby) articulated a bold vision for the future of air travel that could be transformative for our passengers, the communities we serve, and, foremost, the very people at American that our C-suite has chosen to disrespect: you," Silva wrote. American did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the matter. United said last month it had ended its pursuit of a merger with American after the rival carrier declined to engage following an initial approach. American has said a merger with United would be bad for competition and for consumers. …