Генеральный директор United Скотт Кирби хвалит президента Трампа за слияние с JetBlue?

WASHINGTON- Chicago-based carrier United Airlines (UA) CEO Scott Kirby has publicly praised President Trump’s tariff policies, suggesting they aim to create middle-class careers. This marks his second endorsement in three weeks, despite the aviation industry’s typical aversion to economic instability.

Speaking at Semafor’s 2025 World Economy Summit in Washington DC (DCA, on Thursday, April 24, 2025, Kirby characterized the tariffs as “the first move in a chess game” with “a lot of moves left to come,” urging Americans to “take a breath” during this economic transition, OMAAT reported,

Photo: Scott Kirby LinkedIn Page

United CEO Praising Trump Again

Kirby’s consistent support for Trump’s economic policies stands in stark contrast to other airline executives.

While Delta Air Lines (DL) CEO Ed Bastian described the tariff approach as “wrong” despite supporting policy updates, Kirby has maintained unwavering positive messaging—even as United reduces capacity later this year, citing economic uncertainty.

This strategic positioning appears calculated rather than coincidental. As a seasoned industry veteran who transitioned from American Airlines (AA) to United in 2016, Kirby has demonstrated exceptional business acumen and ambitious growth plans for the carrier.

His careful cultivation of relationships with administrations across political lines—including donations to Trump’s inauguration—suggests a deliberate approach to governmental relations.

Photo: JetBlue

The JetBlue Acquisition Gambit

United’s longstanding desire to strengthen its New York presence, particularly at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), may be driving Kirby’s political calculations.

Acquiring JetBlue Airways (B6) would provide United the foothold it seeks in this crucial market, but such a merger would require favorable regulatory review—something potentially influenced by presidential goodwill.

The timing aligns perfectly with the Trump administration’s “pro-business” and “anti-red tape” positioning. With Sean Duffy serving as a loyal Department of Transportation Secretary, Kirby’s public support for Trump’s economic vision could be strategically timed to smooth the regulatory path for a potential JetBlue acquisition.

Photo: Archer

Beyond Mergers: United’s Strategic Priorities

Kirby’s political positioning likely serves multiple strategic objectives beyond potential mergers as flagged by Live and Let’s Fly:

1. Air Traffic Control modernization funding, which would directly benefit United’s operational efficiency
2. Potential economic subsidies should recession conditions worsen, similar to pandemic-era airline support
3. Favorable mediation in ongoing labor negotiations with flight attendants and mechanics
4. Maintaining positive relationships with federal regulators who oversee United’s operations

While some might criticize Kirby’s approach as political maneuvering, it fundamentally serves United’s business interests. With 80,000 employees and shareholders expecting strategic leadership, Kirby’s actions reflect his mandate to position United advantageously regardless of economic conditions.

Photo: Scott Kirby LinkedIn Page

Reading Between the Lines

Kirby’s calculated support comes despite United’s own financial guidance suggesting recession concerns. The disconnect between United’s business preparations and Kirby’s public praise for policies that may trigger economic contraction suggests ulterior motives.

His careful phrasing—noting that consumers “don’t actually feel anything in their current paycheck” while avoiding direct criticism of tariff tactics—demonstrates political savvy rather than economic analysis.

When he states the president has a “genuine desire to make things better for middle-class Americans,” Kirby positions himself as aligned with Trump’s stated goals.

trump_f-47
Photo- AP

The Chess Game Continues

As Kirby himself described Trump’s approach as “a chess game,” his own strategic positioning appears equally calculated. By publicly supporting the administration while privately preparing United for potential economic headwinds, he’s hedging against multiple scenarios.

For United’s leadership, criticizing presidential policies offers little upside when regulatory approval, federal funding, and potential economic relief all depend on positive governmental relations. While industry peers may take more critical stances, Kirby has clearly decided that alignment with the administration serves United’s long-term interests better than confrontation.

The true test will come in the months ahead, as United’s potential merger ambitions and the economic impact of tariff policies reveal whether Kirby’s strategic diplomacy yields the advantages he appears to be seeking.

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The post United CEO Scott Kirby Praising President Trump for JetBlue Merger? appeared first on Aviation A2Z.