As more time passes it seems like this deal will not be done this year. Now the Machinsts Union is saying they are opposed to any merger (Yahoo business). NWA baggage handlers and ticket agents belong but DAL's are non-unionized. DAL FA'a are non-unionized also so there is alot of labor issues involved here in general to hash out. They may see if another group makes a go at merging to see what they can do though I think that pilot seniority integration will be an issue no matter who announces. When there is no clear "white knight" no one wants to give anything away because they know that status quo is working for now. I know it will hurt some but it is better for market forces to work itself out and let the next company to enter bankruptcy to liquidate and disappear. Not have the banks and airplane leasing companies keep extending credit. Their gates/routes will be redistributed amongst the remaining players and everyone will get a little bigger. But two big airlines trying to merge these days seems like too tough a task.