AMR Pilots Seek to Block Rivals’ Deal

Pilots of AMR Corp.’s American Airlines asked federal regulators to block a plan by Northwest Airlines Corp. and Continental Airlines Inc. to sell seats on each other’s flights because it could cost jobs. The Allied Pilots Assn., in filings with the Justice and Transportation departments, called the agreement a “cashless, virtual merger” that could lead to more industry consolidation, threatening pilots’ jobs and hurting competition. A Northwest representative scoffed at the assertions. “What you have is the house union for American Airlines, and their views are lock-step with American’s management on these issues,” said Northwest spokesman Jon Austin. AMR officials were not immediately available to comment.