Delta Air Lines will buy Northwest Airlines in the United States for more than -billion under a proposal unveiled on Monday to create the world’s biggest airline, as carriers seek to counter skyrocketing fuel prices and a weak economy. US airlines are hoping mergers could lead to higher fares as combined carriers reduce flights.
American Airlines has cancelled about 570 flights scheduled for Friday, raising to more than 3 000 the number this week it has grounded to reinspect the wiring on its MD-80 fleet for a second time. The disruption has affected more than 300 000 passengers, including Friday’s schedule cuts.
American Airlines cancelled 1 094 flights, or nearly half its schedule, on Wednesday to reinspect aircraft, a disruption that affected about 100 000 passengers and triggered chaos at the busiest United States airports. The airline said it also expected more than 900 cancellations on Thursday.