Delta’s CEO Richard “Anybody Wanna Buy An Airline?” Anderson, formerly the CEO of Northwest, has finally started shopping Delta around for a merger buddy like we all knew he would.

It seems pretty clear which airline he’s thinking of for Delta, though, of course, he denies it.

From the Star-Tribune:
Richard Anderson, the new CEO of Delta Air Lines and former head of Northwest Airlines, on Tuesday ignited a new round of speculation about airline mergers when he said a Delta deal could have “obvious benefits” for its employees and shareholders.

Anderson did not name a potential merger target for Atlanta-based Delta, but analysts long have argued that Eagan-based Northwest would make a good partner because the carriers’ route networks complement each other.
…
We are evaluating the best path forward for Delta,” Anderson said.

Stressing that “evolution toward a more consolidated industry will continue,” he said a merger “could make sense for Delta if it is done thoughtfully from a position of strength.”

This is a change of tune from earlier this year when Delta’s former CEO beat back a hostile takeover bid by US Airways CEO Doug “I’m OK To Drive” Parker.

Is NWA merger on horizon? [Star-Tribune]

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