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Klobuchar writes Northwest, Delta executives requesting answers about potential merger

Poses eight questions about impact on Minnesota and airline competition

January 25, 2008

Washington, D.C. – Senator Amy Klobuchar sent a letter today to the CEOs of Northwest Airlines and Delta Air Lines outlining her concerns about the impact of a Northwest-Delta merger on the State of Minnesota and airline competition and requesting that the executives answer a set of questions about the impact of the potential merger.

“Although I support a strong, competitive and financially-sound U.S. airline industry, I have concerns that a Delta-Northwest merger would lead to a loss of jobs and diminished commercial air service in Minnesota, particularly in our state’s smaller communities,’’ Klobuchar wrote. “As the carriers proceed with their merger discussions, I want to be assured that these concerns will be addressed.’’

The letter was sent Friday to Richard Anderson, chief executive officer of Delta Air Lines, and Douglas Steenland, chief executive officer of Northwest Airlines.

Klobuchar serves on the Aviation Subcommittee of the Senate Commerce Committee and said she would take a close look at any merger and its impact on competition and quality air service. Klobuchar recently requested that the Commerce Committee conduct a hearing on the impact that a Northwest-Delta merger could have on competition, pricing, airline employment and air service.

Northwest Airlines provides approximately 12,000 jobs in Minnesota, including its Eagan headquarters, Minneapolis-St. Paul airport operations and a reservations facility in Chisholm.

“Northwest’s air service is critical to the economic vitality of regional centers like Duluth, Rochester, Moorhead and the Iron Range,’’ Klobuchar wrote. “Minnesota’s position as a hub for Northwest also contributes to the success of many Minnesota businesses, large and small alike.’’

The letter includes eight questions to the two executives, including whether a combined airline would maintain Northwest’s current staffing levels, whether a merger could lead to diminished capacity and higher fares, whether Northwest employees would be able to maintain their current seniority in a combined airline and whether the Chisholm reservations facility would continue to play its current role.

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