Sen. Hill Offers Congrats to Delta on Merger

Officials from Delta Airlines, based in Atlanta, and Northwest Airlines, based out of Eagan Minn., announced yesterday that the two airlines would be merging, creating an enterprise worth an estimated $17.7 billion.

The new airline will be called Delta, and according to a statement issued by Delta “will provide employees with greater job security, an equity stake in the combined airline, and a more stable platform for future growth.”

“Like Senator Johnny Isakson at the federal level, I have said all along that Delta must remain Delta. It was important for Delta to remain in Atlanta and for the merger to be beneficial for Delta’s employees and to Georgia. As the merger is understood now, all of those conditions appear to be met. I’ll do everything I can in the Georgia General Assembly to be of assistance,” said Sen. Judson Hill (R- Marietta).

The company headquarters will remain in Atlanta, with executive offices in Minneapolis/St. Paul and New York, and international executive offices in Amsterdam, Paris and Tokyo. Delta will retain jobs and operational facilities in Minnesota.

“Delta CEO Richard Anderson, the pilots, and the other valuable employees of Delta deserve the appreciation and thanks of the people of Georgia and Minnesota. Because of them, both Atlanta and Minnesota will be gateways to the world. The working families in both states will benefit. Changing economies require bold visionary leadership and Richard Anderson has earned the trust and respect of all of Georgia,” said Hill.

-- Lydia Senn