FAA Accepts Single Operating Certificate for Proposed Delta, Northwest Merger

September 24, 2008 By: Kirk Cassels

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Delta Air Lines and Northwest Airlines are one step closer to the proposed merger of the two companies. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has accepted plans for the two airlines to fly under a Single Operating Certificate, which allows the airlines to combine operations after the closing of the merger.

The next step in the process takes place tomorrow as shareholders of both companies will vote on the merger. Northwest stockholders will vote at a 9:30 a.m. meeting in New York tomorrow, and Delta's vote takes place at a 2 p.m. meeting in Atlanta. Delta and Northwest pilots have already approved the joint collective bargaining agreement between the airlines.