The idea is that Delta would ultimately choose to combine with one of the two carriers, according to people familiar with the situation, who spoke to The Associated Press yesterday on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the talks.
Delta spokeswoman Betsy Talton declined to comment. Reached on their cell phones, two of Delta's directors, John Brinzo and Paula Rosput Reynolds, also declined to comment.
Delta has said previously that its board is evaluating whether to enter into a deal to combine with another airline.
Delta shares soared more than 18 percent yesterday following renewed speculation that the nation's Number Three carrier may be close to inking a deal to combine with another airline.
Delta shares rose $2.46 to close at $15.98.
The surge followed a nearly 15 percent rise in Delta's stock on Wednesday.
On Wednesday, the head of the Atlanta-based company's pilots union said in a letter to rank-and-file members that a combination involving Delta may be close.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2008/1/205676