BREAKING NEWS: Delta Airlines, Northwest Airlines Combining to Create America's Premier Global Airline

Customers, communities to benefit from expanded global route system, more competitive, financially secure airline

No hub closures; improved international access to benefit small communities

Merger helps offset record oil prices, creates stronger global airline to compete in Open Skies environment

Merger combines Delta’s strengths in the South, Mountain West, Northeast, Europe and Latin America with Northwest’s leading positions in the Midwest, Canada and Asia; competition will be preserved and enhanced as a result of complementary networks

Delta pilot leadership reaches agreement on post-merger contract

Employees to be provided seniority protection and equity in the new airline

World headquarters of combined airline to be in Atlanta, with executive offices in Minneapolis/St. Paul and major airline operations and employee base remaining in Minnesota

Integrated SkyTeam frequent flyer programs and partner networks enable faster integration; existing Air France, KLM joint venture partnerships strengthened

ATLANTA, Georgia and EAGAN, Minnesota – April 14, 2008 – Delta Air Lines Inc. (NYSE: DAL) and Northwest Airlines Corporation (NYSE: NWA) today announced an agreement in which the two carriers will combine in an all-stock transaction with a combined enterprise value of $17.7 billion, creating America’s premier global airline. 

The new airline, which will be called Delta, will provide employees with greater job security, an equity stake in the combined airline, and a more stable platform for future growth in the face of significant economic pressures from rising fuel costs and intense competition.

Small communities throughout the United States will enjoy enhanced access to more destinations worldwide. Customers also will benefit from the combined carriers’ complementary route networks, which together will offer people greater choice, competitive fares and a superior travel experience to more cities than any other airline. 

In addition, combining Delta and Northwest will create a global U.S. flag carrier strongly positioned to compete with foreign airlines that are continuing to increase service to the United States.