Name, Headquarters Location Thorny Issues In Airline Merger Talks

ATLANTA (AP) — Delta Air Lines is talking with United and Northwest Airlines about a merger. But one thorny issue is where the merged company would be based, and what it would be called.

In recent months, Delta executives have spoken in near-absolute terms about their desire and intention of keeping the Delta name and the headquarters in Atlanta.

But Northwest officials are likely just as eager to see any combination they are involved in keep the Northwest name and the company based in Minnesota.

And United officials would likely want to keep the United name and keep its parent company based in Chicago.

Aviation experts say it’s a highly visible illustration that complex merger negotiations involve competing interests.