Today Delta Airlines named former Northwest Airlines CEO Richard Anderson as its new Chief Executive Officer.
Anderson’s appointment as Delta’s chief immediately sparked speculation that Delta and Northwest could join forces. However, Anderson said that there are no plans for a merger between the two airline corporations.
Anderson told reporters that in the long run the airline industry might see some consolidation, but that is not Delta’s focus right now. Industry insiders feel that its only a matter of time until Anderson changes his tune and merger talks start to really heat up.
Besides the consolidation issue, the Anderson appointment also raises questions about Chief Operating Officer James Whitehurst’s future with the airline. Whitehurst had been one of two top internal candidates being considered for the top spot. Read.
