Continental is "without question," the first choice for a United merger, Stephen Canale, a union representative on the United board of directors told the Houston Chronicle.

A merger between Delta Airlines and Northwest Airlines, currently under consideration, would provide both the impetus and the go-ahead for United to pursue a merger with Continental.

Talks between Delta and Northwest broke down last week as the two carriers' pilots disagree on how seniority issues would be handled.

But, if Northwest merged with another airline it would relinquish its "golden share," which amounts to veto power over any merger Continental wants to pursue.

United Chief Executive Officer Glenn Tilton, has been frequently vocal about pursuit of a merger for United and a deal could happen quickly should Northwest abandon its veto power, Canale told the Chronicle.

A deal with Continental is "a great fit business-wise and internationally. There's no two ways about that," he said.