Leaders of American's Allied Pilots Association issued a statement saying ''APA remains adamantly opposed to any merger or acquisition involving AMR. To date, we have no information that AMR is proceeding with any consolidation activity.''

The stance contrasts with those of pilots at Delta Air Lines and Northwest Airlines, who have said they would back mergers in some circumstances. The pilots union at UAL Corp.'s United Airlines has said it won't ''rubber stamp'' a merger unless its ''interests are addressed.''

Northwest's pilots union said last week the company confirmed that it was in talks with Delta, and that Delta and United also were discussing a tie-up.

U.S. Rep James Oberstar, chairman of the House committee that oversees transportation, said he would ''vigorously engage'' the U.S. Justice Department in an antitrust investigation.