It would not be an acquisition but a merger of relative equals. The Fifth freedom rights issue for Asia flying is largely a moot point. There are provisions to continue the rights after a merger. The name of the merged carrier will likely be Delta with HQ in Atlanta but the training center and maintenance facility in MSP will remain indefinitely. The two major stumbling blocks are the power struggle between Frankensteenland and Anderson and merger opposition in Congress. I saw the article while passing through ATL Monday and it is largely correct that time is of the essence if this deal is to be done. For all involved (including my better half and many friends), if the deal happens y'all better hope Anderson is in charge and Frankensteenland gets sent down the road like he should have been eons ago.