3 Airlines to Link on Flights to 7 Smaller Cities

Northwest Airlines Corp., the fourth-largest U.S. airline, said it will link some flights in California with AMR Corp.’s American Eagle commuter carrier to make up for lost service in the state. Starting March 18, Northwest will sell tickets for American Eagle flights from Los Angeles to seven smaller cities: Bakersfield, Fresno, Monterey, Palm Springs, San Diego, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo. Northwest’s previous commuter partner, Trans States Airlines Inc., discontinued service in the state in December. Trans States’ decision left Northwest and US Airways Group Inc. without service to some smaller California cities. Trans States, a closely held carrier based in St. Louis, said the California flights weren’t profitable. US Airways also is expected to link with American Eagle on some California routes, following approval of the move by its pilots union earlier this month.