American Airlines and United Airlines both have hubs at Chicago O'Hare Airport (ORD), and they sure are battling it out at the moment. United has a significant advantage (in terms of presence and profitability), but American isn't ready to give up there, and wants to regain market share.
Kirby has no idea what he's talking about most of the time and should almost never be taken seriously. He's on the top list of inflated egos.
This is the same kind of drivel and arrogance that you see at Delta these days.
Scott Kirby has done some good with his leadership, but pride cometh before the fall as they say. If he keeps going down this path with spouting nonsense, United just becomes another Delta.
United is much better than it was 5 years ago but Kirby is a bit annoying with his grudge against American.
It is interesting to look at the recent 2027 route announcements and see how both carriers are investing in their more profitable northeastern hubs (EWR and PHL) which of course also have shorter distances to Europe, and neither of them is doing much at all with Chicago
Chicago is just in an awkward point.
Too much backtracking for the East Coast populations for Europe. Too far from the West Coast to be the ideal connecting hub to Europe. Does ok for Asia, but can't beat the West Coast hubs for that either.
O&D is getting watered down with how their metro population is stagnating.
"...their metro population is stagnating."
Chicago's population has actually seen net growth for the past three years (sclerotic as it may be), and this can also be seen in the increase in costs for housing (though a 1.5% increase YOY doesn't mean buoyancy, but it does show demand is there).
But 100% agree that it's too far from the east and west coasts, thus making some of the connecting flight options less than desirable - and that's difficult for me to say, as a huge Chicago booster (born in the city and raised in the 'burbs). But your point is one I hadn't thought of - great food for thought, thank you for that.
agreed on awkward positioning but for me i actually prefer Chicago for TATL flights over NYC/BOS/etc since I can usually get an extra hour of sleep (assuming same award price)
I have to position anyway so I frequently start with Chicago
So, according to Mr. Kirby, consumers benefit... when there's *less* competition? (This freakin' guy...) When an airline drives its competitor out of a hub, fares go up. Period. Not 'more choice' or whatever lies they try to spin. (Fares, generally, have gone up since Spirit has been gone, too.)
If i was an investor in UA i would be worried with the CEO's statements. He wants mergers with competitors or wants them out of his hubs. Makes me wonder is there is some financial tsunami about to strike UA earnings results. Is it the high oil prices or the high price of acquiring those brand new jets. Or is it just a simple case of AA living rent free in the CEO's head.
Kirby has gotten to the point where he has no credibility with these ridiculous statements. United is a piece of trash airline. Would never willing set foot on one of their trash heap planes.