# Scott Kirby

> Scott Kirby is the Chicago-based CEO of United Airlines, a role he has held since May 2020. Trained in computer science and operations research, he previously served as president of US Airways, American Airlines and United. His tenure includes the United Next fleet investment program, a focus on passenger technology and a public emphasis on employee pride and accountability.

- **Role:** Chief Executive Officer at United Airlines
- **Organizations:** United Airlines, American Airlines, US Airways, America West Airlines, Sabre Decision Technologies, Star Alliance Chief Executive Board, International Air Transport Association Board of Governors
- **Nationality:** American
- **Education:** Bachelor’s degrees in computer science and operations research, United States Air Force Academy, Master of Science in operations research, George Washington University
- **Known for:** Led United as CEO from May 2020., Oversaw the launch of United Next, including a 270-aircraft order announced in June 2021., Served as president of three U.S. airlines: US Airways, American and United.

## Career timeline

- **1989** — Graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy; began his early career at the Pentagon.
- **1995** — Joined America West Airlines.
- **2006** — Became president of US Airways.
- **2013** — Became president of American Airlines after its merger with US Airways.
- **2016** — Joined United Airlines as president on August 29.
- **2020** — Succeeded Oscar Munoz as United CEO on May 20.
- **2020–2024** — Chaired the Star Alliance Chief Executive Board.
- **2021** — United announced the United Next plan and an order for 270 Boeing and Airbus jets.
- **2026** — Confirmed an approach to American about a potential merger; American declined to engage.

## Achievements

- Led United as CEO from May 2020.
- Oversaw the launch of United Next, including a 270-aircraft order announced in June 2021.
- Served as president of three U.S. airlines: US Airways, American and United.
- Chaired the Star Alliance Chief Executive Board from 2020 through 2024.

## Latest updates

- **2026-10** — An October 13 Inc. article examined his early trucking-yard and Pentagon jobs and their influence on his leadership.
- **2026-09** — Appeared on Long Blue Leadership on September 29 to discuss accountability, reading, calculated risk and changing his mind.
- **2026-06** — Discussed leadership, AI and passenger information in a June 9 Morgan Stanley interview.
- **2026-04** — Confirmed he had approached American about a possible merger and said American declined to engage.

## Links

- Website: https://www.united.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jscott-kirby/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottkirby/

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/scott-kirby
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-21