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Apr. 30 — American Airlines Inc. is talking about a partnership with Continental Airlines Inc. and British Airways PLC, American and British Airways said Wednesday.

The talks don't involve any plans for a merger, but possible ties on frequent-flier programs, code-sharing and possibly a renewed attempt to get antitrust immunity for American's and British Airways' existing trans-Atlantic alliance.

The airlines gave little detail of what is being discussed.

"British Airways is exploring opportunities for co-operation with American Airlines and Continental Airlines," British Airways said in a terse announcement. "Further details will be announced when appropriate."

American spokesman Charley Wilson confirmed that the Fort Worth-based carrier has been having conversations with British Airways, its partner in the Oneworld global alliance, and Houston-based Continental.

Speculation increased that Continental would seek a partnership with American after Continental announced Sunday that it would not pursue a merger — after weeks of reports that Continental had been talking seriously to United Airlines Inc. parent UAL Corp. about a possible marriage.

On April 14, Delta Air Lines Inc. and Northwest Airlines Corp. announced they planned to merge, setting off a mad scramble by other airlines to seek their own merger partners or new alliances.