The Court Of Public Opinion Has Been Convened

They've made their case to investors, creditors, and management... and now, US Airways is taking its proposal to merge with Delta Air Lines before the court of public opinion.

According to USA Today, US Airways has hired a New York PR firm to garner public support for its surprise move last month to take over Delta. The firm even produces an electronic newsletter that reports even the smallest development in the pending deal... with a clear slant towards the US Airways position.

"They do aggressive financial PR, and they are very good at it," said US Airways Senior Vice President Elise Eberwein said of the Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher PR firm.

Not surprisingly, Delta has also brought on a public relations firm close to the airline to get its message out -- that the airline prefers to stay independent after it emerges from Chapter 11 bankruptcy next year.

That means a full-page ad in Atlanta newspapers... and employees distributing 50,000 bright red "Keep Delta My Delta" buttons. US Airways has countered by meeting with newspaper editorial boards, to garner their support.

Both sides are also rallying their investors and employees behind the scenes.

In the end, the general public will not have a vote on whether the two airlines merge operations... but both sides feel that public opinion may help sway those who will decide.

FMI: www.usairways.com, www.delta.com