BA explores merger with Qantas

British Airways and Qantas are exploring a potential merger that could greatly accelerate consolidation of the global airline industry. After an initial approach from Qantas, BA said it was studying a merger with the Australian flag carrier “in a dual-listed company structure”. BA shares rose 12% to 157p in London on the news while Qantas surged nearly 10% on Wednesday in Sydney before closing up 6.7% at A$2.40....