Despite being rebuffed by American Airlines, United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby has opted to publicly make his case for a merger between the two carriers.

A group of U.S. budget carriers is seeking $2.5 billion in government assistance to combat rapid increases in fuel costs spurred by the U.S. war with Iran.

American Airlines CEO Robert Isom “looks forward to doing more with Alaska going forward” but is not confirming immediate changes to their existing relationship.