WASHINGTON, DC -- Today, US Senator Herb Kohl (D-WI), chairman of the Senate Antitrust Judiciary Subcommittee, issued the following statement on the decision of the boards of Delta Air Lines and Northwest Airlines Corp. to approve plans for a merger of the two carriers.

"We will closely examine the merger announced today between Delta Airlines and Northwest Airlines, a deal which is estimated to create the world's largest airline. A competitive airline industry is essential to both business and leisure travelers, and the health of the American economy.

"While we understand the financial pressures under which the major airlines have been operating, it is nonetheless also vital that this deal does not lead to fare increases and service reductions. We are especially concerned with the consequences of this deal for travelers in small and mid-sized markets, many of whom already have the fewest choice for air carriers today.

"We expect to hold hearings in the Antitrust Subcommittee to carefully examine the impact of this -- and further possible airline consolidation -- on competition and consumers."