UNITED Airlines' CEO has opened up about potentially purchasing a struggling rival brand.

The budget airline has filed for bankruptcy twice in one year, sparking concern that it will soon halt operations.

On Tuesday, Scott Kirby confirmed he will not obtain assets from Spirit Airlines , closing the door on speculation that the carrier might step in to rescue its struggling competitor.

“It’s not in our wheelhouse,” Kirby told Reuters .

Kirby said the economics of such a deal simply don’t work. He explained that Spirit Airlines’ planes would each require roughly $15 million in modifications to meet United Airlines’ standards.

The CEO also noted that even Spirit Airlines’ attractive slots, like those in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, do not have enough gates for United Airlines, and i

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