Merger in the air

Report: Delta, NWA boards to meet today

by Tom Weber, Minnesota Public Radio

The Detroit News reported today that pilots for both Delta and Northwest Airlines have agreed to terms of a merger.

That would mark a significant step towards a formal announcement that the two carriers are about to become one.

St. Paul, Minn. — The rumors and reports have been flying since last week that company board meetings were just days away to discuss and maybe even approve a merger that would create the largest airline in the world.

Today the New York Times reported meetings will be held today.

That comes as another paper, the Detroit News, reported there is a deal between the unions for the 11,000 or so pilots at Northwest and Delta.

The paper reported the two unions have agreed on creating seniority lists, and the agreement gives the union an equity stake in the new airline and places a voting member on the merged board.

If the companies do announce a merger today or tomorrow, the next line of questions will include the status of each carrier's hubs.

Northwest is based in Minneapolis, and state leaders have been urging the airline to keep to its promises to retain a hub at MSP airport.