BREAKING NEWS: No More Delta Air Lines?

ATLANTA -- The Associated Press has learned that United Airlines and Delta Air Lines have been discussing a combination between the nation's second- and third-largest carriers that would keep the United name and the corporate headquarters in the Chicago area.

An official with knowledge of the talks said today that there is a sense of urgency in the talks, which have been going on for some time and continued as recently as a week or so ago. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the person was not authorized to speak publicly.

The exact financial details of the transaction being discussed are not clear. But the talks involve United being the name of the combined airlines, the headquarters staying in Chicago and Delta's Atlanta hub being an operational center for the two carriers.

The official said one possible scenario involves Delta CEO Richard Anderson being the chief of the combined airline.

A spokesperson for United did not immediately return a call seeking comment. Delta spokeswoman Betsy Talton declined to comment.