P.M. BRIEFING : Delta Fighting Air Route Shifts

The transfer of 11 air routes linking U.S. cities and London to the two largest U.S. carriers could deal a “possibly fatal blow” to airline competition in the North Atlantic, Delta Air Lines Inc. said today.

Delta, which has raised objections to the proposed transfers previously, said it plans to submit comments to U.S. transportation officials restating those objections.

The airline said it opposes the proposed sale of five routes by Pan American World Airways to United Airlines, as well as a separate deal involving the transfer of six routes from Trans World Airlines to American Airlines.

Both deals require the approval of U.S. and British officials. Negotiations between the two governments over the proposed transfer broke off earlier this week and are expected to resume late this month.