Smart Meetings

Shareholders OK Delta, Northwest Merger for Takeoff

In separate meetings Thursday morning, shareholders of Delta Air Lines and Northwest Airlines approved a merger that will create the world’s biggest air carrier. Earlier in the week the United States Federal Aviation Administration accepted plans for the two companies to merge over the course of the next 15 to 18 months. The only hurdle yet to be cleared before the deal becomes a reality is a ruling from the Department of Justice’s antitrust division. If the Justice Department signs off on the merger later this year, Delta expects the deal to be sealed shortly thereafter.

The combined company would be called Delta and be based in Delta’s current hub city of Atlanta.