AIRLINES

Delta Sparks Winter Air Fare War: The Atlanta-based airline is cutting certain fares by as much as 50% off domestic tickets to boost traffic in the slow winter season. Delta Air Lines Inc. said it cut by 30% to 50% the price of tickets bought by Jan. 10 for travel in the United States, Canada and Mexico from Jan. 2 to Feb. 29. The move prompted matching discounts by Trans World Airlines Inc., AMR Corp.’s American Airlines, Continental Airlines Holding Inc., Northwest Airlines Inc. and USAir Group Inc. “They’re just trying to fill more seats,” said Tony Maupin, president of Maupin Travel in Raleigh, N.C. Delta said the tickets must be purchased seven days in advance and include a Saturday night stay.