This article is from: srnnews.com
By Rajesh Kumar Singh
CHICAGO, May 4 (Reuters) – 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.
While the email did not endorse a United-American merger, Silva used Kirby’s proposal as an opportunity to reiterate criticism of American’s leadership, which faces pressure from its unions over the carrier’s financial underperformance.
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.
(Reporting by Rajesh Kumar Singh; Editing by Edmund Klamann)
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