Squawk Pod: Gone tripping: United CEO Scott Kirby & psychedelic therapy- 04/22/26 | Audio Only

Watch on YouTube ↗  |  April 22, 2026 at 17:45  |  36:22  |  CNBC
Speakers
Scott Kirby — CEO, United Airlines
Christian Angermayer — Founder, Cryptology Asset Group

Summary

This episode of Squawk Pod features an interview with United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby discussing the company's financial performance and the impact of high jet fuel prices, as well as his views on industry consolidation and the struggles of Spirit Airlines. Additionally, psychedelics investor Christian Angermayer explains the investment opportunity in psychedelic treatments for mental health following a presidential executive order. The hosts also touch on the confirmation hearing for the next Fed chair and the ongoing geopolitical tensions affecting oil prices.

  • United Airlines reports better-than-expected earnings but cuts full-year guidance due to high jet fuel prices.
  • CEO Scott Kirby says United is passing through 40-50% of fuel cost increases and expects to reach 100% by year-end.
  • Kirby comments on potential merger with American Airlines but does not confirm any talks, instead emphasizing United's global competitiveness.
  • Kirby criticizes Spirit Airlines' business model as fundamentally flawed and headed for failure.
  • President Trump signs an executive order to accelerate medical treatments for serious mental illness, including psychedelic therapies.
  • Psychedelics investor Christian Angermayer highlights the clinical success rates of psychedelics and the sector's growth potential.
  • The confirmation hearing for Fed chair nominee Kevin Worsh is discussed, with questions about his independence.
  • Geopolitical tensions in the Gulf continue to affect oil prices and global jet fuel supplies.
Trade Ideas
Scott Kirby CEO, United Airlines 13:14
United is resilient and profitable despite fuel spikes.
United Airlines has built a great brand-loyal airline with a resilient strategy that allows it to remain solidly profitable even with a doubling of fuel prices. The company is passing through 40-50% of fuel cost increases and expects to get to 100% by year-end, demonstrating the success of its decommoditization strategy and its ability to navigate crises.
UAL HIGH
Scott Kirby CEO, United Airlines 22:37
Spirit's flawed business model is leading to failure.
Spirit Airlines has a fundamentally flawed business model that long predates the current fuel price spike, and the increase in oil prices is only a modest acceleration of its inevitable failure. The company's problems are not due to fuel prices but to its business model, and it does not warrant a government bailout.
SAVE MED
Christian Angermayer Founder, Cryptology Asset Group 27:01
Psychedelics have high clinical success rates.
Psychedelics are becoming medically accepted again with clinical trials showing up to 80% responder rates for treatment-resistant depression, addiction, and anxiety disorders. The recent executive order from President Trump accelerates federal funding for research, and the drugs are used in a clinical setting with a therapist, ensuring safety and efficacy. The sector has strong growth potential and companies have patent protection and intellectual property.
PSIL HIGH
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This CNBC video, published April 22, 2026, features Scott Kirby, Christian Angermayer discussing UAL, SAVE, PSIL. 3 trade ideas extracted by AI with direction and confidence scoring.

Speakers: Scott Kirby, Christian Angermayer  · Tickers: UAL, SAVE, PSIL