Very interesting for him to make this allegation. The funny thing is that he even states that it is purely conjecture on his part, so it is a wonder the article was even published. However, it would be beneficial to UAL if Mesa were able to take over ACA. I don't necessarily think it is because they don't want the competition out of IAD, like Kerry Skeen states in the article, but I think it would be because they would be able to maintain all of the current infrastructure that they have at IAD and ORD with the terms of the contract they have already negotiated with Mesa.
If anyone from UAL has anything to do with this idea, it was something that was come up with on a golf course or country club somewhere, and not something that has a paper trail that can be proven.
Just my thoughts, but I would actually like to see this takeover go through. I think it would help UAL.