Delta May Spark Merger Mania

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Airline industry consolidation has moved a step closer to reality, now that Delta(DAL Quote) has made clear that it wants to be a player.

"We do believe the right transaction, certainly for Delta, would add tremendous value," Ed Bastian, the carrier's president, declared last week, as he discussed mergers at a Wall Street investor conference. "We're looking at the question [in] real time. It's a front burner issue for us."

Bastian also said, "Delta views itself an acquirer, not a seller." In tone, he went beyond statements made last month by Delta's new CEO Richard Anderson, who said, on his first earnings call, that the carrier is open to a deal. ...