So, the long-rumored, long-negotiated merger of Minnesota's hometown airline and Delta looks like it just might happen. I think it's too early to speculate on exactly what will happen, although it does not look like the hub at MSP will be eliminated. However, the combined airline will be headquartered in Atlanta. This is causing a lot of anger here, given various favors and bailouts given to NWA by state government over the years. I will be interested to see if Tim Pawlenty and the state legislature try to get some of that money back, or if it will even be worth it to try.
As for losing the HQ to Atlanta, that is a blow to civic pride as well as a loss of a good amount of high-paying jobs. But buck up Minnesota, you are just getting started in the world of losing things to Atlanta. Over in Wisconsin, we have lost the Milwaukee Braves, the Milwaukee Hawks (via St. Louis), Rayovac, and probably a few paper companies to Atlanta. I think Georgia would still be a southern backwater with Coca-Cola by itself if it hadn't raided Wisconsin time and again.
Hey, one potential bright side: there is a decent possibility that Delta/NWA will have to give up some gates at MSP. Maybe, if we dare to dream, some actual competition may show up!!
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My dad was working for los angeles base Western Airlines (remember them?), when delta bought them out, over 20yrs ago.
Dad was tranfered to atlanta, where he met a local woman and married her. she came with a whole lotta acreage, providing me with ample huntin opertunities.
so, look on the bright side. the whole merger worked out well for me.
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