The US Federal Aviation Administration has given the green light to the first stage of a merger between Delta Air Lines and Northwest.



The FAA has accepted a plan from the two airlines for interim operations and a transition to a single single operating certificate.



The plan outlines the methodology, processes, tools and timing to maintain the safety of the day-to-day operations and to achieve a single operating certificate over the next 15 to 18 months.  



Delta maintenance operations senior vie-president John Laughter described the move as a “significant milestone in our efforts to bring together our two airlines”.



Northwest’s safety and engineering senior vice president and chief safety officer Ken Hylander said: “Acceptance of our plan lays the groundwork for a smooth transition of our operations. Our ultimate goal is to implement a seamless transition for our customers and this is a big step towards that end.”

by Phil Davies