FACTBOX - BA and Qantas talk merger to beat industry turbulence

(Reuters) - Australia left the door open on Wednesday to a $5.9 billion merger between national airline Qantas Airways Ltd and British Airways plc.

The proposed merger is the latest by carriers that have been squeezed by soaring fuel prices and decreasing passenger numbers.

Here is a table showing the two companies vital statistics.

BA QANTAS

Fleet: 245 224

Destinations: 300 145

ASK:* 149 billion 127 billion

Employees: 42,377 37,000

Market cap: $2.7 billion $2.9 billion