RENEE MONTAGNE, host: NPR's business news starts with more airline merger talk.</s>RENEE MONTAGNE, host: The ongoing tango between the nation's top airlines is picking up pace. Delta is in serious talks with Northwest, and reports say an agreement could be announced within weeks. A deal between Delta, the nation's third largest carrier, and Northwest, the fifth largest, would produce the biggest airline in the world. Meanwhile, United is talking to Continental about merging. Major airlines have been hit hard by fuel costs and the slowing economy. They're hoping consolidation can improve their business.
A merger between Delta and Northwest could be announced within weeks. A merger would result in the biggest airline in the world. United and Continental are also in talks. Major airlines, hit hard by fuel costs and the slowing economy, hope consolidation can improve business.