Merger in the air

Delta-NWA merger could come as soon as Wednesday

by Martin Moylan, Minnesota Public Radio

A merger of Northwest and Delta airlines could be announced Wednesday. Meanwhile, Gov. Tim Pawlenty is reminding Northwest of commitments the airline has made to Minnesota.

St. Paul, Minn. — Citing unnamed sources, The Financial Times reports the Delta Air Lines board will meet Wednesday, February 20, to approve a merger with Eagan-based Northwest. The report also says Northwest's board may meet the same day. Neither airline would comment.

As a merger appears imminent, Gov. Tim Pawlenty's spokesman Brian McClung says the governor is once again reminding the airline about promises it made to keep its headquarters and hub in the Twin Cities.

"The governor trusts and expects those commitments will be honored. We're willing to make additional commitments to keep the hub at full operations and the headquarters in Minnesota," said McClung.

In return for past promises to keep its headquarters and hub here, Northwest has received about $450 million in loans and lease breaks from the Metropolitan Airports Commission.