United CEO Sidesteps Merger Topic, Says Assets of Interest (2)

United Airlines Holdings Inc. Chief Executive Officer Scott Kirby sidestepped questions about a potential merger with American Airlines Group Inc. while acknowledging that the current climate of high costs and struggling rivals might offer opportunities for deals.

Kirby said in an interview with Bloomberg TV’s Lisa Abramowicz that his goal is to “create a truly global airline that all US citizens can be proud of,” though he declined to say if a transformational deal would be part of that plan. At the same time, he revealed that he’s considered some possibilities.

United shares fell by about 6% at 11:30 a.m. ...