American Pilots Union Chief says United CEO's idea of a merger showed 'boldness'

The head of American Airlines pilots' union told members that United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby's merger proposal showed "the bold vision" that the carrier needed, but the union did not endorse a tie-up.

Nick Silva, President of the Allied Pilots Association, said in an email sent to pilots Monday that Kirby's vision was "transformative" and could benefit passengers, communities, and American Airlines pilots.

Silva, who did not support the merger of United-American, used Kirby's email as an occasion to criticize American's leadership. The unions are putting pressure on them because they have been underperforming financially.

American didn't immediately respond to an inquiry for comment.

Last month, United announced that it had ended its pursuit for a merger with American. The rival carrier refused to engage after an initial approach. American said that a merger between United and American would be bad for the competition?and consumers.

UNION PRESSURE BUILDINGS

The email suggests that, despite the fact that American rejected the merger proposal due to major regulatory obstacles, it has caused a new source of pressure within the airline. For APA it is part of a broader argument stating that American must adopt a more aggressive strategy in order to compete with its stronger rivals.

"(Kirby's) bold vision for air travel could be transformative to our passengers, communities we serve and, most importantly, you, our American employees that our C suite has chosen not to respect: You," wrote Silva.

Silva said Kirby’s vision might only be an "aspirational" one for the moment, but that its ambition showed?how far American has fallen behind domestic and international rivals.

The unions that represent American's flight attendants and pilots have criticised the company's financial performance and its failure to match Delta Air Lines or United.

Silva said APA’s message focused on the lack of a strategy for the long term, the "unacceptable state" of the airline and the union’s openness to "any way forward" which would allow pilots to work for an airline who?values and respects them, and that "not only competes, but leads the industry."

Silva wrote: "It is clear that bold ideas and leadership will be required to restore American Airlines to its rightful place as a global airline." (Reporting and editing by Edmund Klamann; Rajesh Kumar Singh)

(source: Reuters)