Delta CEO promises smooth merger

Delta Air Lines' Chief Executive Richard Anderson says the Atlanta-based carrier's acquisition of Northwest Airlines will not produce headaches for passengers.

Speaking at a conference in Minneapolis, Anderson reassured the audience that their Northwest World Perks miles will carry over to Delta.

Anderson said the combined carrier will work to avoid any disruptions in service when the operations join.

In 1986, Northwest merged with Republic Airlines. By many accounts, operations and customer service suffered badly. When asked whether those problems will be repeated, Anderson invoked Delta's merger history.

"Delta had the most successful merger in the industry with the Delta/Western merger in 1986-'87, so we're expecting it to go smoothly," said Anderson.

Anderson said Delta and Northwest expect federal approval of the deal by the end of the year.

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