<p>Delta Air Lines and its pilots union remained far apart on reaching a deal on wage concessions after their first negotiations in almost six months.</p><p>After Wednesdays talks with incoming Delta chief executive Gerald Grinstein on Wednesday, the union told members that bargaining positions remain hundreds of millions of dollars apart.</p><p>The Air Line Pilots Association offered a 9 percent cut in wages to help the Atlanta-based airlines avoid losing more money. In electronic messaging to its members, ALPA said Delta is seeking a 30 percent pay cut as it tries to bring operating costs more in line with its competitors.</p><p>Wednesdays session was the first since talks broke down in July. It arose after Delta chairman and chief executive Leo Mullin announced last week that he will retire early next year.</p><p>ALPA represents 8,500 pilots, whose current contract expires in 2005. In exchange for wage cuts, the union wants the contract extended to early 2008, almost two years beyond Deltas proposed extension.</p><p>Delta, the nations No. 3 airline, says it needs drastic pay cuts to compete with the top two airlines, American and United, which already have won concessions from employees. Delta also faces competition from budget carriers, which have lower operating costs.</p><p>The two sides also have to bridge gaps on issues such as work rules and vacation pay.</p>
