ATLANTA — In another potential sign of trouble for a proposed merger between Delta Air Lines and Northwest Airlines, Delta’s top executives told employees Tuesday that the carrier has not reached a transaction that meets its standards.
Delta chief executive Richard Anderson and chief financial officer Ed Bastian told employees in an e-mail that any potential merger would have to meet certain principles, including that it protect the seniority of Delta employees.
Pilot leaders from Delta and Northwest haven’t resumed discussions on seniority and other issues after concluding two days of talks Friday. The Air Line Pilots Association didn’t return calls Tuesday seeking comment.
The airlines are expected to drop merger plans if pilots cannot resolve seniority issues, which have caused problems in other airline tie-ups.
United and Continental are reportedly poised to quickly seal their own deal if Delta and Northwest merge, and United hasn’t ruled out pursuing Delta, sources say.
In a statement to employees Tuesday, Northwest chief executive Doug Steenland reiterated that the company believes that consolidation is inevitable.
Detroit Free Press
