American Airlines CEO Robert Isom rejects a merger with United Airlines, describing such a deal as anti-competitive and negative for customers.

He also emphasizes that American will continue to compete vigorously in Chicago, where the company shares the market with United, Reuters reports.

At the same time, Isom is open to the idea that growth should instead occur through partnerships, and points in particular to the possibility of deeper collaboration with Alaska Airlines as a more attractive path forward.

”We will be roommates, but we will not get married,” he said of the relationship with United, while signaling that American is open to strategic partnerships with other airlines. 

By 6:30 p.m., American Airlines had risen about 5 percent in New York. At the same time, Alaska Airlines was up 4.5 percent and United Airlines was up 1 percent, in an otherwise down market.

Source: Dagens Industri