About All That Airline M&A — CEOs Say There’s Nothing to Buy

After the Iran war caused a surge in fuel prices, we were told to expect a wave of airline deals. The small airlines would have no choice as profit margins shriveled up. The big ones would swoop in to pick up the best assets on the cheap.  

United CEO Scott Kirby pitched a mega merger with American to the White House. Delta CEO Ed Bastian said he expected to see more consolidation or elimination. American CEO Robert Isom said the carrier would be open to M&A for the right opportunity. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said there’s room for more airline mergers in an interview with CNBC.

Now, there’s no talk at all. 

American, Delta, and United are betting that they can increase their profits and reach without any mergers. And the low-cost sector is coping with limited options following the collapse of Spirit Airlines. 

Airline executives are saying that there are few options for mergers in an already consolidated