Air France-KLM hints at investing if NWA, Delta merge

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(AP) - Air France-KLM says it might invest in Delta and Northwest airlines if the two decide to merge.

Air France-KLM CEO Pierre-Henri Gourgeon says such an investment would be "reasonable," but did not give a figure for how much it might contribute.

News reports have said Air France-KLM would be prepared to invest close to $1 billion in a merged airline.

Gourgeon says the Air France investment would depend on whether a merger gets the approval of U.S. antitrust authorities. He spoke Thursday after Air France-KLM released third-quarter profits.

All the airlines already work together through the SkyTeam Alliance.

Delta has been discussing a combination with Northwest and United Airlines. A deal with Northwest has appeared more likely.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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