United-Continental talks pick up pace - source
Fri Feb 15, 2008 6:59pm EST
By Jui Chakravorty Das
NEW YORK, Feb 15 (Reuters) - Merger talks between United Airlines (UAUA.O: Quote, Profile, Research) and Continental Airlines Inc (CAL.N: Quote, Profile, Research) have picked up pace, but a deal still hinges on the outcome of discussions between Delta Air Lines (DAL.N: Quote, Profile, Research) and Northwest Airlines Corp (NWA.N: Quote, Profile, Research), people briefed on the situation said on Friday.
Talks between Delta and Northwest are hurtling toward a deal, but a merger announcement is not expected this weekend, the sources told Reuters.
Pilots at both airlines are reviewing a proposal of what the merged company would look like. But a deal could be announced before the pilots' union approves the proposal if the workers take too long, one person said.
Continental Airlines Inc has also had exploratory talks with AMR Corp's (AMR.N: Quote, Profile, Research) American Airlines, The Wall Street Journal said on its Web site late Friday.
http://www.reuters.com/article/compa...60268920080215