A potential merger of United Airlines and American Airlines would create the largest airline in the world with over 2,800 planes.

The Biden administration blocked the acquisition of Spirit Airlines by JetBlue in 2024.

Spirit Airlines' plan to shrink its fleet to 75-80 planes and operate only profitable routes is no longer viable due to soaring jet fuel prices.

Frontier Airlines is in a stronger financial position than Spirit Airlines.

Competition between United Airlines and American Airlines in Chicago became so intense that the FAA had to restrict flights due to airport capacity constraints.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy indicated that President Trump "likes big deals" and that any large airline merger might require the shedding of assets.

A combined United Airlines and American Airlines would control approximately one-third of the U.S. airline market share.

A combined United Airlines and American Airlines entity would have generated approximately $110 billion in revenue last year.

The proposed merger between United Airlines and American Airlines is considered unlikely to be approved due to expected opposition from other airlines, consumer activists, and legislators.

Fuel is the single largest cost for airlines, aside from staff costs.

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby was previously the president of American Airlines, leaving in 2016 when it became clear he would not become CEO.

Jet fuel prices more than doubled in March.

United Airlines and Delta Air Lines have been better able to withstand market pressures than low-cost carriers by capitalizing on strong premium travel demand.

Spirit Airlines is currently in its second bankruptcy proceeding in approximately one year.

Frontier Airlines and Spirit Airlines revived merger talks in 2025 but ultimately failed to reach a deal.