CHICAGO (WLS) — A mega merger between Chicago’s two largest airlines may be in the works.<\/p>\n
Scott Kirby, the CEO of Chicago-based United Airlines, has floated the idea of a merger with American Airlines to senior government officials, according to a report from Bloomberg<\/a>. However, right now, it is unclear if the airlines are in the process of exploring a deal.<\/p>\n ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24\/7. Click here to watch<\/a><\/p>\n If this possible merger has legs and is eventually approved by regulatory authorities, it will create the world’s largest airline and significantly change the competitive landscape in U.S. aviation. Reports of a merger between United and American drew mixed reviews from travelers at Chicago O’Hare International Airport on Tuesday.<\/p>\n “I don’t like it. I mean, it’ll reduce competition,” said traveler Steve Nied. “Higher fares, and maybe less availability.”<\/p>\n Traveler Xavier Hale also weighed in, saying, “Smooth out some of the chaos, help both airlines, both employees for each company. I’m all for it.”<\/p>\n ABC7 reached out to representatives from both airlines on Tuesday, and they each declined to comment. DePaul University Aviation Expert Joe Schwieterman says a combination of these airlines would control more than one-third of the U.S. market.<\/p>\n