United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby extended an olive branch to President-Elect Trump, congratulating him on his “historic victory” and wishing him success. Kirby also pledged support for the Administration in helping to use the federal government to promote economic growth.
United Airlines CEO Sends Letter To President-Elect Trump
Here’s the letter in full:
November 6, 2024
President Donald Trump & Vice President-elect JD Vance
Office of the Presidential Transition
1100 S Ocean Blvd. Palm Beach, FL 33480Dear President Trump and Vice President-elect Vance:
On behalf of United Airlines, I extend my congratulations to you on your historic victory. I wish you and your incoming Administration success in addressing our nation’s vital needs.
Over the course of the campaign, you have expressed optimism towards the next chapter of our American story. We could not agree more. United is a proud American company. As the largest airline in the world, we fly to all corners of the globe and represent the United States everywhere we fly. Our dynamic workforce of over 100,000 is made up of people from all 50 states and all walks of life. We provide lasting careers with industry leading wages and benefits for people and families across the economic spectrum. Our extensive network is not just good for United and our customers – our presence brings new economic growth and career opportunities to communities large and small, all across America.
United’s optimism for the future is reflected in our continued investments in the American economy and infrastructure. Since 2021, we have invested more than $32 billion back into our business, including the largest aircraft order in commercial aviation history. And more is on the way. We are creating the biggest, best and most innovative airline ever, and as such, a powerful engine of economic growth and job creation across the U.S. economy. I look forward to participating in this journey with you and your Administration.
As your focus turns to policies and personnel, I ask you to consider the role the federal government plays in realizing this vision for economic growth. For example, urgent improvements to the nation’s air traffic control infrastructure (including investments in people, facilities and technology) are central to enabling, instead of hindering, economic growth and customer service delivery. We at United stand ready to help you and your team achieve this success.
In closing, I was inspired by the promise of America’s greatness after spending time recently with the cadets at my alma mater, the United States Air Force Academy. For me, these brave young men and women serve as a living example that the United States is the greatest country in history. With that front of mind, I look forward to working with you and your team.
Sincerely,
Scott
The heart of this letter is trying to warm up to Trump so that he is more open to supporting upgrades and other improvements to the nation’s air traffic control (ATC) infrastructure. Updated technology, new facilities, and more people are needed to avoid the sort of self-induced slowdowns that snarl air traffic in busy corridors and disrupt airline operations. United has an acute AT problem at Newark Liberty International Airport, one of its fortress hubs.
Trump’s strong victory suggests a mandate and it is not surprising that Kirby wants to capture the moment to advance his own agenda. In this case, though, the agenda of Kirby aligns with the best interests of other airlines and consumers: updating our air traffic control infrastructure is a vital need that I too hope the incoming administration will not overlook.
What are your thoughts on Kirby’s letter to Trump and Vance?
I guess he knows where his bread is buttered. But I wonder who he really voted for.
Like he had another choice.
@Santastico … +1 . Exactly . The “choice” of Camel-a was a “choice” for vacuity .
Perhaps that’s the point. I’m interested to see though what he wrote to Biden in 2020. Did he have to because it’s Trump and he is vengeful? Or is this a standard for every CEO no matter who wins. I’m genuinely curious.
He did pen a simliar letter to Biden:
https://liveandletsfly.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/United-Airlines-Congratulatory-Letter-.pdf
Thanks. I will let others read the body of the two and post their thoughts as to the differences.
Another poorly worded attempt , with the stilted “we could not agree more” , instead of the simple “we agree” .
Those who use useless words , to misstate , are PR writers .
Typical phony PR letter . It is always amusing to see the stilted “We could not agree more” , rather than the simple “We agree” .
Let’s face it there are very few CEO’s in the world who will espouse an opinion BEFORE an election. I don’t really care for Musk but at least he had the cajones to stand up when it mattered.
Historic? Historically calamitous. Heaven help us as we’re going to need it.
Georgtown University has healing spaces with milk, cookies, and Lego to play with (for real) if you are in the DC area. Sounds like you could use it.
Time to bend the knee and kiss-up to the ego of the fragile ego conman elected to be our 47th President. Not for me.
I’m enjoying your meltdowns btw
@GUW, It’s real. Not sure why you lack acceptance. While disappointing to me, I try to face the truth and get on with life. It one day will get better . always the optimist. ; )
His mention (reminder? ) of the ATC improvements is vital after so many recent issues.
That’s not for Trump. If Kirby wants to kiss the ring there will be plenty of others he can do that to later when doing their bidding for ATC improvements. And, let’s be clear, Trump seems to care less and is the last person to appeal to. From my seat it seems his concern for aviation is only his big beautiful Air Force One and repainting it.
Agree with most of your points as to what is important to Trump. My thought on why Kirby mentioned the ATC ( and my concerns ) relate to when the vengeful cheese paring begins the ATC might be spared.
His central point on ATC infrastructure upgrades for economic growth is not unique to United. Therefore it should have been made by their trade association, Airlines for America, or privately by their lobbyists. This just makes him look like a suck up. Has the hallmarks of a rogue decision OR bad communications/government affairs counsel.
I am asking sincerely, did he send a letter to Joe Biden when he won in 2020? What did that letter say if he did? I would love to compare the context.
I stopped flying United 3 years ago. I certainly won’t be now, even on my one way flight out of this ludicrous, laughable nation.
Just curious, but to which country are you moving?
I have doubled down on America for a quick financial return between the strong Biden economic tailwind and the supercharge I expect to come from Trump before the burn from Trump hits the country hard.
And yes, I am an American who’s proud to turn my back on my country and leave it for good.
Allow us to assist you in packing…Hell I’ll start a gofundme to help you pay your citizenship renunciation fee…
Or maybe, and bear with me here, maybe you can take a step back and realize that this country has its problems, but nearly all of us still want to live here, work here, and respect each other here…in spite of what the media and your emotional thinking might tell you.