Airlines’ talks could resume

Delta Air Lines Inc. is considering a proposal from Northwest Airlines Corp. to push ahead on a merger even without a labor agreement between their pilot unions, people familiar with the matter said Friday.

The new approach may include a smaller pay package for pilots, said the people, who declined to be identified because the talks were private.

The carriers must reassess how their tie-up would work as soaring jet-fuel costs and lower demand have wiped out projected profits, the people said.

Sidestepping the pilots would let Atlanta-based Delta, the third-largest U.S. carrier, and No. 5 Northwest, based in Eagan, Minn., resume talks that stalled this month when union leaders failed to mesh their seniority lists.

Delta shares added 26 cents to $8.61. Northwest climbed 30 cents to $8.76.