nwa/Delta MERGER: General Discussion
 

Done.

http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/080414/delta_northwest.html

Word on the radio around MSP is that the announcement will come between 8-9CST tonite.

Tis a shame, but it has been fun kids!!!!! A pleasure for sure being with NW these last few years! Happy trails and safe travels to us all!!

Well I think I am finally going to start to burn my WP miles.

BREAKING: Northwest/Delta Announce Merger [nwa-side of Discussion Only]
 

Dear Northwest Customer:

As a valued customer, I wanted you to be among the first to hear that we have announced an agreement to merge with Delta Air Lines. Subject to regulatory review, our two airlines are joining forces to create America's premier global airline which will be called Delta Air Lines.

By combining Northwest and Delta, we are building a stronger, more resilient airline that will be a leader in providing customer service and value. The combined airline will offer unprecedented access to the world, enabling you to fly to more destinations and have more flight choices.

You can be assured that your WorldPerks miles and Elite program status will be unaffected by this news. In addition, you can continue to earn miles with confidence on Northwest and all of our mileage partners.

The combined Delta Air Lines will serve more U.S. communities and connect to more worldwide destinations than any global airline. We will be the only U.S. airline to offer direct service from the United States to all of the world's major business centers in Asia, Latin America, Europe, Africa, and around North America.

Both airlines bring tremendous strengths to this new partnership. Our complementary service networks form an end-to-end system that is truly greater than the sum of its parts. This is a merger by addition, not subtraction, which means all of our hubs - both Delta's and Northwest's - will be retained. In addition, building on both airlines' proud, decades-long history of serving small communities, we plan to enhance global connections to small towns and cities across the U.S.

All of these positive benefits of our combination mean that we can:

* Offer a true global network where our customers will be able to fly to more destinations, have more schedule options and more opportunities to earn and redeem frequent flyer miles in what will become the world's largest frequent flyer program.
* Continue to serve our current roster of destinations and to maintain our hubs in Atlanta, Cincinnati, Detroit, Memphis, Minneapolis/St. Paul, New York, Salt Lake City, Amsterdam and Tokyo.
* Improve the customers' travel experience through new products and services including enhanced self-service tools, better bag-tracking technology, more onboard meal options, new seats and refurbished cabins

While we work to secure approval of our merger, which is expected to take 6 to 8 months, it will be business-as-usual at both airlines. We will continue to operate as independent airlines and the people of Northwest will remain focused on providing you with the very best in safe, reliable and convenient air travel. At the same time, both airlines will be planning for a seamless integration of our two airlines, one that delivers to you the enhanced benefits that will earn - and retain - your preference.

As we work through this process, we will keep you informed at every step along the way. Thank you for your business and we look forward to serving you on your next Northwest flight.

Sincerely,
Doug Steenland
President and CEO
Northwest Airlines

Perhaps a more descriptive thread title is needed if this magnanimous news is true...

Let the cat of the bag a little early....maybe

It's true... just crossed CNN.

...and to maintain our hubs in Atlanta, Cincinnati, Detroit, Memphis, Minneapolis/St. Paul, New York, Salt Lake City, Amsterdam and Tokyo.

Nobody believes they'll maintain seven domestic hubs.

As hard as I've been on NW in recent years, I find myself sorry an airline brand with so much history in it is getting wiped out in this coldly efficient manner. I miss Northwest Orient.

Confirmed
 

CNN and MSNBC reporting the deal is done.

Can I change my FT handle to "I'm SAD"?

NWA RIP :(

I also miss TWA and the original National Airlines.

Though, IIRC, they can't tear down the [currently empty] TWA International Terminal at JFK --- so, at least, a "bit" of history is retained.

Letter from Doug Steenland on nwa.com:

http://www.nwa.com/features/mergerle...ervesV2.hplead

There was also Night Coach (for post-900p departures), youth fares, and lots of other variants. The CAB era wasn't quite as straightforward as all that.

Looks like the time is near. I've been in mourning for some time. Are there any others in MSP interested in planning in advance for a memorial service? I have lots of fond memories . . . .

Delta Elite Inflation Watch Out
 

A cautionary tale now for those who are staying behind, Delta is running that stupid 2x EQM promo which very may further swell their already swollen elite ranks. It may be prudent for those who are requalifying to be prepared for a mass of elites that will really be problematic. Just a thought. Safe travels on this sorry evening.