It reads like a political ad: change is coming to Northwest -- now, officially, Delta -- Airlines. But airline executives say it will take some time to arrive.
Just one day after the two airlines merged, Delta executive Ed Bastian came to town on Thursday with reassurances and smiles. Bastian is also now the CEO and President of Northwest, which is now a subsidiary of Delta.
"Today is the same as yesterday for Northwest customers," Bastian said, adding that the airline will make changes at a "very cautious pace."
Bastian said passengers will not notice any immediate changes to service, flights and programs. The airlines will still operate and recognize the frequent flier programs. Both airlines will continue to charge their respective fees (including Northwest's fee for checked luggage).
But Bastian said the programs may change as the airline goes through its transition over the next two years. He said they'll soon go by the same name and have the same policies.
Delta Airline's headquarters will be in Atlanta. Bastian says it's expected some "administrative and clerical" positions will be lost in the consolidation. But, he says, Northwest will remain a "hometown airline," keeping its hub at MSP International.
So far, Northwest employees and passengers appear to be on board the merger. "I think it was a wise decision, said Edi Moss, a Northwest customer service representative. "I think it's a good merger, and they're the largest airline in the world now. And we'll be at the forefront of the industry."
"Hopefully it will be a positive merger and things will actually be better for us," said Cassie Block, a Northwest passenger.
"I think it's a good thing, it's going to be a good change and a lot of people working for Northwest and Delta will be happier," said Mark Meier, a Northwest passenger.
As part of the merger, Northwest and Delta employees get 15 percent of the combined company's stock. The stock is being divided according to income, according to airline officials.
(Copyright 2008 by KARE. All Rights Reserved.)
