Oberstar Critical of Delta-Northwest Merger

Minnesota Congressman Jim Oberstar says Wednesday's decision by the Justice Department to approve the merger between Delta Air Lines and Northwest Airlines is unfortunate and will trigger additional mergers among the remaining major carriers into a handful of global mega-carriers. The Chairman of the Transportation Committee says that was not what Congress intended when it voted for airline deregulation in 1978.
He says creeping consolidation in the airline industry will likely mean fewer choices, higher fares, and diminished levels of service for the traveling public.
The 8th District Congressman claims the merger underscores the need to enhance the Essential Air Service program, that protects small communities which are likely to be most adversely affected by the merger. The Brainerd Regional Airport services the Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport through Mesaba Airlines.