Delta-Northwest Airlines Merger Completed: Benefits From Northwest's China Routes

The merger of Delta with Northwest Airlines is complete creating the world's largest airline with services to nearly all of the world's major travel markets.

Delta closed the merger after receiving notice from the United States Department of Justice that it would not challenge the merger after reviewing its competitive impact. Earlier this year, the merger also received clearance from the European Commission.

The new airline — called Delta Air Lines — will be headquartered in Atlanta; and Delta will maintain all its hubs at Atlanta, Cincinnati, Detroit, Memphis, Minneapolis/St. Paul, New York-JFK, Salt Lake City, and Tokyo-Narita — each of which will benefit from improved global connectivity.

"Delta is combining the best of two industry leaders to create a premier global airline that will be unmatched in the scope and level of service we offer our customers," said Delta CEO Richard Anderson. "As we have been proving, this is a different type of merger for the industry thanks to the complementary nature of the two airlines and the caliber of the people who will make this the most successful merger in airline history."

The Delta-Northwest merger will occur through an integration process over the next 12-24 months. In the meantime, customers will continue to deal directly with the airline operating their flight just as they did before the merger.