TETERBORO, NEW JERSEY: United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby was forced to apologize after boarding a private jet from Teterboro, New Jersey, to Denver on Wednesday, June 28, after his flight was cancelled. Kirby came under fire as numerous customers were left stranded at the airport ahead of the July 4 holiday when United canceled 750 flights, which made one-fourth of its schedule for a day.
Reports suggested that Kirby lived in Dallas with his second wife, Kathleen, and their children but had to fly to Denver for an address in Colorado. “Taking a private jet was the wrong decision because it was insensitive to our customers who were waiting to get home,” Kirby said in a statement issued by United. “I sincerely apologize to our customers and our team members who have been working around-the-clock for several days — often through severe weather — to take care of our customers,” he added.
Kirby also promised “to better demonstrate my respect for the dedication of our team members and the loyalty of our customers” before concluding his statement. A spokesperson for United Airlines told the Wall Street Journal that Kirby decided fly on a private jet because of his inability to get a seat on a commercial flight. The airline said that the CEO paid for the private jet, with an estimated cost of the trip going from $30,000 to $50,000.
Who is Scott Kirby’s wife?
Kathleen is reportedly Kirby’s second wife. Multiple reports said the couple got married in 2013 after the United Airlines CEO parted ways with his first wife, Pam. Kirby and Kathleen reportedly wed at The Paradise Garden at The Arizona Baltimore while their reception took place at The Gold Room. The couple reportedly went to New Zealand for their honeymoon.
The reason behind Kirby’s split with his first wife is not known while the details of his wedding to Kathleen have also been kept away from the public. Not much is also known about Kathleen’s personal life. However, United Airlines often mentions his wife on social media. Kirby paid a heartfelt tribute to Kathleen on Mother’s Day for being a mother to their children, Sean, James, Logan and Scarlett.
“I’m so fortunate to be married to Kathleen. She’s an amazing mother who is totally devoted to Sean, James, Logan and Scarlett. She too spends almost all of her time doing things with and for the kids. There’s no question in any of their minds that Kathleen is always there for them and would do anything for them…though Sean and James are getting to that age where they use that to their advantage,” Kirby wrote at the time.
Kirby also called Kathleen his best friend, hiking partner, travel buddy, confidant and advisor in the same post. “She is truly my partner. When I was young and needed advice or to talk through a difficult issue, I always went to my mom and today, Kathleen is the always the first person I talk to whether it’s work or personal issues,” he shared.
Back in April, Kathleen attended the White House Correspondents’ Dinner with Kirby. “Kathleen and I had a wonderful time at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner last night. It was our first time attending and it was great to see the @potus in a different setting where he was really funny with great delivery as the warm up act for @roywoodjr who was outstanding,” he wrote at the time. Kathleen also accompanied Kirby when he visited Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr and his wife, Vivian, in July 2022.
‘What kind of insensitive are you?’
Several airlines reportedly struggled with their schedules this week due to thunderstorms. However, United Airlines was reportedly the worst affected as it canceled numerous flights and left passengers reeling from the chaos caused due to the July 4 holiday rush. As Kirby was seen taking a private jet after the cancelation of his flight, angry customers took to social media to share their disappointment over the CEO’s actions.
“Scott Kirby CEO of United Airlines is an elite jerk. Chartering a private jet to get where he needs to go! While people are stuck at airports. Because of cancelations and weather and lack of employees,” one wrote. “United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby flew on a private plane out of NYC while his airline was canceling hundreds of flights from there. After he got home he apologized. He refused to state whether he regularly flies on private planes. He’s a douchebag,” added another. “@scottkirby What kind of insensitive are you??? Seriously taking a private jet...,” a third commented.
One said, “@united your senior mgmt needs a revamp. Your CEO Scott Kirby travels in a private jet when United had 34% flight cancellations/delays and families are stuck at the airport for days. My entire vacation got cancelled due to your flight cancellation. Your mgmt needs better leaders,” while another mentioned, “Can the private jet service also lose his luggage, so that the CEO can learn more than one message about what life is really like at the gates and turnstiles where his customers are forced to dwell? And can they put him on hold (with music) for hours too?”
