Leadership News

ch-aviation • Dominik Sipinski

United CEO Scott Kirby discussed a potential 2025 merger with Delta’s Ed Bastian

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby reportedly contacted Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian about pursuing a potential merger in 2025, according to coverage tied to the Chicago O’Hare executive dialogue. The discussion signals renewed consolidation interest between the two major carriers.

1 Source

2026-07-28T14:13:07.406614-07:00

ch-aviation

American Airlines targets profit gap closure vs Delta and United, pushes widebody order plan and rules out a United merger

2 Sources

2026-07-28T10:04:13.016423-07:00

FlightGlobal

IndiGo/InterGlobe Aviation names Kiran Thadimarri as CFO as Willie Walsh prepares to assume CEO role

5 Sources

2026-07-28T04:21:23.637108-07:00

Bloomberg

JetBlue launches “BlueFirst” domestic first class, with new fare tiering and expanded basic fares

28 Sources

2026-07-27T10:06:30.472697-07:00

Executive Appointments & Leadership Moves News Timeline

ch-aviation

1 source

United CEO Scott Kirby discussed a potential 2025 merger with Delta’s Ed Bastian United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby reportedly contacted Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian about pursuing a potential merger in 2025, according to coverage tied to the Chicago O’Hare executive dialogue. The discussion signals renewed consolidation interest between the two major carriers.

2026-07-28T14:13:07.406614-07:00

United CEO Scott Kirby discussed a potential 2025 merger with Delta’s Ed Bastian

ch-aviation

2 sources

American Airlines targets profit gap closure vs Delta and United, pushes widebody order plan and rules out a United merger American Airlines says it is pursuing a long-term strategy to narrow its profitability gap with Delta Air Lines and United Airlines. The carrier is also preparing for a new widebody aircraft order and dismissed the possibility of a merger with United, signaling continued focus on network and fleet execution.

2026-07-28T10:04:13.016423-07:00

American Airlines targets profit gap closure vs Delta and United, pushes widebody order plan and rules out a United merger

FlightGlobal

5 sources

IndiGo/InterGlobe Aviation names Kiran Thadimarri as CFO as Willie Walsh prepares to assume CEO role InterGlobe Aviation has appointed Kiran Thadimarri as IndiGo’s chief financial officer, effective July 28, replacing Gaurav Negi, who moves to an advisory role. The change comes as IndiGo finalizes government security clearance for incoming CEO Willie Walsh, expected to join by Aug. 3.

2026-07-28T04:21:23.637108-07:00

IndiGo/InterGlobe Aviation names Kiran Thadimarri as CFO as Willie Walsh prepares to assume CEO role

Bloomberg

20 sources

Tata Group executive says Air India overhaul will take a decade, spanning fleet and service quality The head of India’s largest conglomerate that owns Air India said rebuilding the struggling flag carrier could take about a decade. The overhaul is expected to cover both fleet changes and improvements to passenger service quality as part of a broad turnaround effort.

2026-07-27T10:06:31.242375-07:00

Tata Group executive says Air India overhaul will take a decade, spanning fleet and service quality

Bloomberg

28 sources

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JetBlue launches “BlueFirst” domestic first class, with new fare tiering and expanded basic fares JetBlue has unveiled BlueFirst as its new domestic first-class cabin, set to roll out across aircraft beyond the Mint fleet, with fleetwide implementation planned for late 2026. The carrier is also introducing a new fare-tier system and expanding where basic fares can be sold, while renaming Core to Main on all flights.

2026-07-27T10:06:30.472697-07:00

JetBlue launches “BlueFirst” domestic first class, with new fare tiering and expanded basic fares

Aviation Source

None source

Garuda Indonesia to Lead New State-Owned Airline Holding Company

2026-07-26T22:35:46.356775-07:00

Garuda Indonesia to Lead New S

Paddle Your Own Kanoo

2 sources

Alan Joyce defends his Qantas CEO record in new memoir, taking responsibility for COVID-era turmoil and operational failures Former Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce has resurfaced publicly to defend his tenure and take responsibility for the airline’s tumultuous post-COVID period. His board-forced resignation nearly three years ago followed “a litany of mistakes” and operational failures that drew public backlash, according to the coverage tied to his memoir.

2026-07-26T12:05:50.609664-07:00

Alan Joyce defends his Qantas CEO record in new memoir, taking responsibility for COVID-era turmoil and operational failures

Cranky Flier

None source

Cranky on the Web: American Has an Overall Plan, Delta Has One for Asia

2026-07-25T04:04:25.823842-07:00

Cranky on the Web: American Ha

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Hype's Leadership section provides a curated selection of news and in-depth analysis on the trailblazers and decision-makers in the aviation, defense, and space industries. This collection includes detailed coverage of leadership changes, executive appointments, and the strategic directions set by the industry's top figures, offering a clear view of the personalities driving aerospace innovation and corporate dynamics.