Hoeven Statement On The Justice Department's Approval Of Northwest Airlines And Delta Air Lines Merger

Statement

Gov. John Hoeven today issued the following statement in response to the U.S. Justice Department's approval of the Northwest-Delta merger:

"Since Northwest and Delta first announced their plan to merge, we have pushed them to ensure that service to North Dakota is not only maintained, but enhanced. I have spoken with Northwest CEO Doug Steenland and met with officials of both Northwest and Delta Air Lines to express our concern and press for quality service to our state.

"Today, we again spoke with Delta-Northwest officials, and made clear to them that with a growing and more diversified economy, airline service to our communities is vital to the continued well-being of our state. We again demanded that they continue to maintain and enhance service to North Dakota destinations in support of North Dakota consumers and businesses.

"In the course of our conversation, they assured us that ‘nothing will change,' and that the airline will continue to provide service to North Dakota communities as usual. However, we have not supported the merger and remain concerned about service to North Dakota. I have pressed airline officials to come here and meet in a public forum to discuss the merger and reaffirm their commitment to serving our state. Andrea Newman, the airline's vice president for government relations, indicated she would work with my office to schedule such a meeting for the next few weeks.

"Additionally, we have spoken with the office of Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, who joined us in stressing the importance of maintaining and improving regional air service in light of the economic needs of the upper Midwest.

"We will continue to closely follow developments as the two airlines complete the technical details of their merger. In the meantime, we will continue to press for quality service in North Dakota, including favorable pricing and scheduling practices by the airline."

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