There has been an ongoing war of words between United Airlines and American Airlines regarding service at Chicago O’Hare International Airport, a major transit hub for both companies. The two carriers are jockeying for customers and airspace and it has led to pointed public comments from both sides.
Last week, American Airlines vice chairman and chief strategy officer Steve Johnson spoke in front of an assembly of the company’s Chicago workers. During the conversation, Johnson sent a clear message to United CEO Scott Kirby that American isn’t relinquishing its status at O’Hare without a fight.
American ‘here for the long run’
Kirby has taken multiple shots at American over the last several months, including saying on a recent podcast that he “wouldn’t want to play American’s hand” in Chicago.
In response, Johnson said Kirby is “frustrated” with the inroads American has been making at O’Hare and elsewhere, adding that his company won’t be leaving the Midwest hub.
“You have to put it into perspective,” Johnson said, via Forbes. “He’s frustrated with the progress American is making in Chicago and throughout the industry, and United’s performance at ORD would be a good deal better if American abandoned Chicago. Having said that, we’re going to continue to execute our plan.
“We’re here for the long run,” Johnson added. “We’ve been here nearly 100 years and we’re going to be here another 100 years.”
Forbes also reported that American is running 20% more flights at O’Hare than it did a year ago, which Ben Humphrey, American’s vice president for Chicago O’Hare, called “the highest growth for any legacy hub” he has seen in his three decades in the industry.
Why American is firing back at United, Scott Kirby
Kirby has said recently that United is driving American out of Chicago, claiming the latter is losing $800 million annually at O’Hare.
The outspoken CEO has also spoken positively about Delta, United’s other major competitor, while taking jabs at American, even going as far as to imply he expects Delta and United to be the only two major domestic air carriers in the industry within the next decade.
It’s no secret that American has experienced financial difficulties lately, but the Dallas-based carrier, which turns 100 in 2026, has insisted it will remain competitive.
In October, American CEO Robert Isom responded to Kirby, saying Chicago could “of course” support two major airlines in his company and United.
“It’s been doing it forever. American has served Chicago now for almost 100 years, and we’re looking to serve it well into the future,” Isom said. “It’s going to be our third largest hub. There aren’t many 500 departure hubs out there.”
