Eastern Airlines confirmed a press report.

The financially troubled carrier confirmed a Wall Street Journal story that Avmark Inc., an Arlington, Va.-based consulting firm, has recommended that the carrier file for protection under federal bankruptcy laws unless its unions quickly agree to drastic wage cuts. But a spokesman for the Miami-based airline said a Chapter 11 filing appeared unlikely. A confidential report cited by the Journal said Eastern “stands at the head of the airline ‘endangered species’ list.”