United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby said the carrier does not expect to pursue airline consolidation for the foreseeable future, weeks after American Airlines rebuffed his approach for a potential merger.
Speaking at a Bernstein investor conference, Kirby said the big transaction required a willing partner, "which we clearly don't have."
American Airlines CEO Robert Isom rejected a tie-up as anti-competitive and bad for customers.
Kirby also said ultra-low-cost carriers are likely to shrink and that United is on track to reach double-digit pre-tax margins next year as fuel costs ease.
