Merger Update
The Delta/Northwest merger continues positive progress. The merger is expected to have no immediate impact at CHO since routes at CHO do not overlap, and Delta already provides ground services for Northwest at the Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport. Last week, pilots for both airlines announced agreement upon a joint contract as reported in the article below, courtesy of the American Association of Airport Executives:
Pilots from Delta and Northwest have voted to approve a joint contract that will apply to both pilot groups following the closing of the Delta-Northwest merger, Delta confirmed.
Delta CEO Richard Anderson issued a statement saying, "Approval of a joint contract that will cover both pilot groups immediately upon closing of the merger is an historic milestone in creating the world's premier global airline, and we are pleased that pilots from both airlines chose to take this important step to unify the pilot group. Today's ratification is a testament to the diligent efforts of (Air Line Pilots Association) ALPA's leadership working together with its members, Delta and Northwest."
In related news, Delta and Northwest announced that they have received unconditional clearance from the European Commission (EC) on the carriers' proposed merger.
The EC said that its investigation found the proposed transaction would not impede effective competition in Europe or on transatlantic routes.
"Approval from the European Commission for the merger is another important step toward completing our pro-competitive merger with Northwest," said Delta CEO Richard Anderson. "We continue to work closely with the U.S. Department of Justice and remain confident that we will be able to finalize the merger by the end of the year."
Delta in April announced that it is combining with Northwest in an all-stock transaction. The new company will be called Delta and will be headquartered in Atlanta. Combined, the company and its regional partners would provide access to more than 390 destinations in 67 countries. In addition to approval by the Justice Dept., the merger also is subject to the approval of Delta and Northwest stockholders.
Airport Report, Volume LIII, Number 16, August 15, 2008
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