Information source & full article at
http://biz.yahoo.com/apf/001114/northwest__2.html
Dasburg also told analysts that Northwest is ready to launch a global network that would compete with the Star Alliance, a group of 15 international airlines that includes Air Canada, Lufthansa, Mexicana, Singapore Airlines and United Airlines.
Continental, Northwest and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Northwest's trans-Atlantic alliance partner, would be among the carriers participating in the Wings alliance. Continental and KLM also already have a partnership agreement.
``We recognize that we need to assemble a global network in order to be competitive,'' Dasburg said. ``I would hope, in conjunction with my colleagues, that we reach a decision to do so in the coming year.''