DL/NW Merger Nears

USA Today reported yesterday that Air France/KLM and pilots could gain a stake in the merged Delta/Northwest carrier. In addition, two sticking points, headquarters and management, have reportedly been resolved with Atlanta being the winner along with Delta CEO Richard Anderson. It will also retain the name Delta.
Reporter Marilyn Adams said Air France would invest $1 billion in the new airline, providing a cash cushion for the new company. Pilots want a seat on the board and at least a five percent stake in the merged entity, she said, in exchange for accelerating integration, agreeing to contract terms in advance and resolving seniority issues. The two airlines have approximately 12,000 pilots represented by the Air Line Pilots Association.
The Atlanta-Journal Constitution reported that about 2,000 Northwest pilots are senior to Delta pilots by date of hire and would likely bump Delta pilots down to regional jets, which happened at TWA when it was acquired by American. That makes protecting seniority flying privileges a key issue.