In a February meeting with the Trump administration, United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby floated the idea of a merger between his company, United Airlines, and American Airlines. Most analysts and antitrust experts quickly rejected the proposal, arguing it would harm competition. But antitrust law is about more than simply preserving the largest number of competitors. It is about efficiency and consumer welfare. In a fiercely competitive global economy, U.S. antitrust policy should strengthen American companies that compete internationally.

A well-structured merger between United and American could deliver meaningful benefits through greater efficiency, stronger networks, and more reliable service.