Furlough at a new combined NWA/Delta is definitely a possibility, anyone who thinks otherwise is living in a dream world. I do however, agree that they are doing the right thing by not continuing to run classes and then potentially have to furlough brand new hires. There are a large number of senior NWA pilots sticking around past 60 to see if they can get any kind of equity payout if a merger would take place. I would speculate that once they see that's not the case or they get their payout that they would be gone (or medical out). You have to remember the Northwest brand is also at stake here and I think there are a good number of senior NWA guys who would never want to wear a Delta uniform.

Delta has new aircraft arriving which is a good thing, but parking NWA 9's could offset any gains in the pilot ranks in that department (at a merged carrier). NWA (for now) is increasing utilization of the existing 9 fleet so hopefully that again helps offset the parked aircraft some. In the end I hope for the best for both pilot groups and no furloughs. Let's try to get the best of both contracts into one which would in turn lead to better working conditions for all of us.