Transamerica Airlines is trying to sell seven planes.

H. K. Howard, president of the Oakland-based carrier, said the planes have been for sale since March. Howard said the DC-8s weren’t needed because of a business slump. The carrier is attempting to stem operating losses that totaled $6 million last year. The planned sale comes despite a public pledge by Transamerica Corp., the airline’s owner, that its goal since January has been to sell the carrier as a whole rather than in parts. Employees have announced a plan to buy the airline. Including the DC-8s, the firm has 23 planes.