American in Talks to Buy Reno Air

American Airlines is in negotiations to buy Reno Air Inc., according to Reno and a spokesman for American’s pilots union. An acquisition would allow American to expand on the West Coast and to match the low-fare units other carriers have started up to compete with Southwest Airlines Co. Reno spokeswoman Nancy Raymond said negotiations with Dallas-based American, the nation’s second-largest carrier, are continuing. Dan Carty, chief executive of American parent AMR Corp., said last week that “the West Coast is one of the places in our network that could use strengthening” either by flying more planes or with an acquisition. He declined to comment specifically on the Reno-based airline. American pilot representative Gregg Overman also confirmed the negotiations and expressed concern about what it would mean for pilots’ jobs. Reno Air shares fell 13 cents to $6.56 on Nasdaq. AMR gained $1.56 to $62.94 on NYSE.