United CEO Floats American Merger

In a meeting at the White House, Kirby suggested that a combination of the two carriers would allow them to better compete with foreign airlines on international routes.

The news sent shares of both companies higher, despite warnings from consumer advocates about potential fare increases and reduced options.

If approved, the merger would represent the most significant consolidation in the U.S. aviation industry in over a decade.

However, regulators and labor unions are expected to mount fierce opposition to the creation of such a dominant industry behemoth.