United Airlines reportedly reached out to Delta Air Lines last year about a possible merger, according to Fox Business. The report said United CEO Scott Kirby contacted Delta CEO Ed Bastian about a potential tie-up that would have combined two of the biggest carriers in the United States.
The reported United-Delta merger talks were described as preliminary and did not move forward. Fox Business said the discussions ultimately stalled, and both airlines went on without pursuing a deal.
A merger between United and Delta would have represented a major shift in the U.S. airline industry because of the size and reach of both companies. Even so, the report indicates the idea never developed beyond early conversations.
The news adds to ongoing interest in consolidation across the airline sector, but in this case the reported contact between United and Delta did not lead to a transaction. As described, the proposal was explored only briefly before both sides moved on.
