Center for Individual Freedom Says Delta-Northwest Merger Would Benefit Consumers, Employees

Statement of CFIF President Jeffrey Mazzella

ALEXANDRIA, Va., April 22 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Center for Individual Freedom President Jeffrey Mazzella today released the following statement encouraging the federal government to permit the proposed merger between Delta Air Lines and Northwest Airlines:

“On April 14th, two of our nation’s oldest and most respected air carriers announced plans to merge operations. The merger will benefit employees and customers of both companies.

“The merger would allow both Delta and Northwest to survive the continuing turmoil in the airline industry -- turmoil that has forced three other airline carriers to shut down in the last month.

“The airlines have agreed to keep all their current hubs open, and they service geographically distinct areas of the U.S. with very little overlay. Delta’s main routes include the Southeast, Northeast, South America, and trans-Atlantic flights, while Northwest focuses on the Midwest and trans-Pacific flights.

“After the merger, the new Delta will be the world’s largest carrier. The merger will create economies of scale that will allow it to better manage the current problems plaguing the airline industry, including a slowing economy and the soaring cost of jet fuel.

“The merger would benefit not only customers, but also employees. The carriers have stated that there will be no frontline furloughs and employees will be given equity in the new airline.

“The Department of Justice should move quickly to approve this merger, which will improve service for the flying public.”

The Center for Individual Freedom (www.cfif.org) is a constitutional and free market advocacy organization with more than 250,000 supporters and activists nationwide.