Flightknight, your last added link does not sound hopefull. But the arguments that are being posed don't have to add up to a negative. The take-over of KLM by Air France was at least as challenging. Both those airlines are older then either Delta or Northwest, and have the added challenges of having different languages and cultures, and countries. Yet the combined company has managed to generate greater profits than its seperate units. Significant costs savings have been realized (without letting anyone go), and significant growth has occured. Not only in revuenue, but also in fleet numbers.
I can understand the reluctance for each group, but consolidation will happen. Either one can be weakenend significantly during the coming slowdown, so that it will just be bought out. It is better to approach the deal while both being able to look each other in the eye, rather than one being down on his/her knees. That scenario only makes one party happy
