A Delta spokesman said the airline was considering a big purchase but would have no announcement until later in the year.

A Delta spokesman could not be reached for comment.

A Delta spokesman said that the airline hoped to announce its decision before year-end.

In addition to the ransom, a Delta spokesman said the trip cost $21,600 for fuel and salaries for the crew.

"We really don't see that this is changing anything," said Bill Berry, a Delta spokesman.

Jim Lundy, a Delta spokesman, said the percentages were based on the relative size of the carriers.

A Delta spokesman, John Kennedy, acknowledged that the airport changes were part of plans to reduce costs $2.5 billion by 2005.

John Kennedy, a Delta spokesman, said the airline had no plans to reintroduce the service now or in the immediate future.

A Delta spokesman declined to comment on the talks.

Bill Berry, a Delta spokesman, declined to comment for similar reasons.