Delta Air Lines–Northwest Airlines merger

On April 15, 2008, Delta Air Lines and Northwest Airlines announced a merger agreement.

[8] The company also stated on April 14, 2008 that it agreed with its pilot union to extend the existing collective bargaining agreement through the end of 2012.

Representative Jim Oberstar of Minnesota, who also serves as chair of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, made clear his opposition to the merger, and he fought it in Washington.

[17] After a six-month investigation, government economists concluded the merger would likely drive down costs for consumers without curbing competition.

On October 29, 2008, the United States Department of Justice approved Delta's plan to acquire Northwest.

Prior to merging with Northwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines had an all-Boeing (including McDonnell Douglas aircraft) fleet.

Northwest operated a mixed fleet of Boeing, McDonnell Douglas, and Airbus aircraft.