NWA interested in reviving merger talks

Northwest plane
Northwest Airlines plane.
MPR file photo

Northwest Airlines is apparently interested in reviving merger talks with Delta Airlines.

A person close to the Northwest-Delta talks said there have been talks about proceeding with merger discussions, even though the two airlines' pilots have not agreed on how to merge their seniority lists.

But there has been no decision at this point about pushing ahead with a merger, or even with merger negotiations.

But it appears the airlines are not yet ready to pronounce their merger plans dead.

Northwest pilots expect the airline may reduce previous pay and benefits offers put forth earlier to win pilot support for a merger. That's because airlines are getting hit with soaring fuel prices.

But the source close to merger talks said no decision has been reached about reducing incentives for pilots.

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