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United & Delta Airlines Merger?

By Associated Press

The nation's second and third largest carriers are discussing a merger. United & Delta Airlines Merger?

Published: Wed, November 14, 2007 - 1:57 pm Last Updated: Wed, November 14, 2007 - 2:05 pm

ATLANTA (AP) - The Associated Press has learned that United
Airlines and Delta Air Lines have been discussing a combination
between the nation's second and third largest carriers that would
keep the United name and the corporate headquarters in the Chicago
area.
An official with knowledge of the talks said today that there is
a sense of urgency in the talks, which have been going on for some
time and continued as recently as a week or so ago. The official
spoke on condition of anonymity because the person was not
authorized to speak publicly.
The exact financial details of the transaction being discussed
are not clear. But the talks involve United being the name of the
combined airlines, the headquarters staying in Chicago and Delta's
Atlanta hub being an operational center for the two carriers.
The official said one possible scenario involves Delta CEO
Richard Anderson being the chief of the combined airline.
A spokesperson for United did not immediately return a call
seeking comment. Delta spokeswoman Betsy Talton declined to
comment.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)