Isakson Supportive of Delta Merger

WASHINGTON — Whenever Delta Air Lines Inc. has needed a friend on Capitol Hill, it's been Johnny on the spot.

Johnny Isakson, that is. As Georgia's junior senator, the Republican lawmaker has always been quick and effective in helping Atlanta-based Delta get what it wants from Washington. In recent years, he helped persuade Congress to work with the carrier to solve its pension problems and fend off US Airways' unwanted takeover attempt.

Now he'll be watching Delta's back as it moves forward with this merger.

Q. Last year, you worked hard to thwart a Delta-USAirways combination. Do you support this Delta-Northwest merger? Why?

A. I have said all along that Delta must remain Delta, must remain in Atlanta and must be a good deal for Georgia and the employees of Delta. As the deal is understood now, all of those conditions appear to be met. I'll do everything I can to be of assistance.

The difference from last year is stark. USAirways was trying to take over Delta at a time when Delta was vulnerable. Now Delta is a strong airline and is making a deal for the right reason, rather than defensive reasons.

Q. Do you think there will be opposition to this merger in Congress?

A. There probably will be opposition. You are talking about creating the largest airline in the world so there will be concerns. Any time you have two big companies merging you have will have a lot of interest in Washington, so I expect there will be hearings.

Q. House Transportation Committee Chairman James Oberstar, D-Minn., has said in recent months that he would fight this merger. Congress plays no direct role in approving mergers, but can influence the Justice Department's anti-trust review. Do you think Oberstar could muster the influence to stop this deal?

A. I haven't spoken with Jim. But I would hope that as the details come out, people would see the deal is in the best interests of the country, travelers and the states involved.

Q. Do you think the Justice Department will have time to clear this merger by the time the merger-friendly Bush administration ends next January?

A. I think there is enough time.

Q. Are you worried that a wave of mergers will sweep the industry, leaving travelers with only three or four major carriers? Would mergers hurt small communities that already have little air service?

A. I don't think it is the intent to cut service to small communities. They are the feeders to the airline hubs.

Q. What do you think this merger could mean to Atlanta?

A. If everything they are saying is true (about keeping all of the routes to Asia, Europe and beyond), Atlanta will become the country's gateway to the world.

Q. What do you think this will mean to Atlanta area residents who fly, as far as fares and service go?

A. One reason that Atlanta is Atlanta is because of Delta. This will do nothing but improve what is already a great situation.