News

FlightGlobal • Edward Russell

United CEO Scott Kirby rules out future consolidation after American rebuff; dismisses JetBlue tie-up as “not doable” unless ban

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby said the carrier does not expect to pursue airline consolidation “for the foreseeable future” weeks after American Airlines rejected his merger approach. Kirby also called a potential combination with JetBlue “just idiotic/mathematically not doable,” adding a bankruptcy scenario could alter the outlook.

2026-05-27T13:13:44.069801-07:00

ch-aviation

Azul approved to list common shares and ADS on NYSE American

2026-05-27T12:28:50.593038-07:00

ch-aviation

Turkish Airlines launches venture capital fund

2026-05-27T01:42:51.358783-07:00

ch-aviation

Delta extends Wheels Up lock-up restrictions through May 22, 2027

2026-05-26T13:24:29.551217-07:00

News Timeline

FlightGlobal

❗️

United CEO Scott Kirby rules out future consolidation after American rebuff; dismisses JetBlue tie-up as “not doable” unless ban United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby said the carrier does not expect to pursue airline consolidation “for the foreseeable future” weeks after American Airlines rejected his merger approach. Kirby also called a potential combination with JetBlue “just idiotic/mathematically not doable,” adding a bankruptcy scenario could alter the outlook.

2026-05-27T13:13:44.069801-07:00

United CEO Scott Kirby rules out future consolidation after American rebuff; dismisses JetBlue tie-up as “not doable” unless ban

ch-aviation

Azul approved to list common shares and ADS on NYSE American Brazilian carrier Azul Linhas Aéreas Brasileiras says its common shares and American depositary shares (each ADS representing two common shares) have been approved for listing on NYSE American. The move follows the company’s shareholder and market notification process for the re-listing.

2026-05-27T12:28:50.593038-07:00

Azul approved to list common shares and ADS on NYSE American

Bloomberg

Carlyle launches middle-market aerospace/defense/industrials investment platform to ride military-spending cycle Carlyle Group is creating a new middle-market investment unit focused on aerospace, defense and industrials, positioning the firm to capture opportunities tied to the current wave of defense spending. The platform targets deals in the lower middle-market segment as investors broaden exposure to defense-linked companies.

2026-05-27T04:34:03.300272-07:00

Carlyle launches middle-market aerospace/defense/industrials investment platform to ride military-spending cycle

ch-aviation

Turkish Airlines launches venture capital fund Turkish Airlines has launched a venture capital fund aimed at investing in new aviation and mobility ventures. The initiative signals the carrier’s push beyond network and fleet operations, creating a dedicated vehicle to back emerging companies in the commercial aviation ecosystem.

2026-05-27T01:42:51.358783-07:00

Turkish Airlines launches venture capital fund

ch-aviation

❗️

Delta extends Wheels Up lock-up restrictions through May 22, 2027 Wheels Up said Delta Air Lines, its lead strategic investor, has extended lock-up restrictions on all Delta-issued shares under the Investment and Investor Rights Agreement for another year, until May 22, 2027. The change pushes the restriction out by an additional 12 months from the prior expiry.

2026-05-26T13:24:29.551217-07:00

Delta extends Wheels Up lock-up restrictions through May 22, 2027

ch-aviation

Portugal’s government outlines plan to sell 75% stake in Azores Airlines The government has outlined a plan to divest 75% of Azores Airlines, setting up a majority ownership change that could reshape the carrier’s strategic direction and capital structure. The move places the airline in a broader European context of state-to-market airline restructuring and stake sales.

2026-05-26T06:05:04.732444-07:00

Portugal’s government outlines plan to sell 75% stake in Azores Airlines

ch-aviation

SATA Group reports improved 2025 operating results as Azores Airlines privatization restarts SATA Group said it delivered improved 2025 operating results across its operating companies, with positive EBITDA. The group also reported that Azores Airlines’ privatisation process has resumed, drawing reported interest from multiple bidders, including Binter Canarias and Icelandair.

2026-05-26T06:05:04.732444-07:00

SATA Group reports improved 2025 operating results as Azores Airlines privatization restarts

Reuters

Applied Aerospace & Defense targets up to $3.59B valuation in US IPO backed by private equity Applied Aerospace & Defense, a private equity-backed government contractor, is pursuing a US initial public offering with an expected valuation of up to $3.59 billion. The filing reflects an investor push into defense-related aerospace as geopolitical tensions keep demand expectations elevated.

2026-05-26T04:47:20.724571-07:00

Applied Aerospace & Defense targets up to $3.59B valuation in US IPO backed by private equity

Menu

M&A News

United CEO Scott Kirby rules out future consolidation after American rebuff; dismisses JetBlue tie-up as “not doable” unless ban

Azul approved to list common shares and ADS on NYSE American

Turkish Airlines launches venture capital fund

Delta extends Wheels Up lock-up restrictions through May 22, 2027

News Timeline