Northwest Denies Plans to Merge or Sell Asian Routes

Financially pressed NWA Inc., parent of Northwest Airlines, denied reports Monday that it is considering merging with a larger airline or selling its lucrative Pacific routes.

“We have not discussed merging Northwest with a larger carrier, nor have we entertained any transactions in which Northwest does not maintain its independence and its employees retain their full security,” NWA Chairman Alfred A. Checchi said in a statement to employees.

“We have not discussed selling Northwest’s Pacific routes to any carriers,” he added.

Earlier, a pilots’ union spokesman said the nation’s No. 4 carrier, whose earnings have been hurt by the Persian Gulf War and recession, had outlined three options in talks with the pilots.

They were:

* Growth and independence, with concessions from employees.

* Merger with a larger airline, such as AMR Corp.’s American Airlines or Delta Air Lines Inc.

* Sale of its Pacific routes.