Thu, Apr 24, 2008
Say What???
Critics of the proposed merger of
Delta Air Lines and Northwest Airlines -- including a number of
skeptical lawmakers -- have said repeatedly the formation of the
mega-airline would serve to raise ticket prices and reduce customer
choice, due to the resulting loss of competition. But one group
says that won't be the case.
Consumers for Competitive Choice (C4CC) -- which bills itself as
"an alliance of consumer organizations with 1 million members
throughout the United States" -- says the merger would, in fact,
"create a pro-consumer market that will stimulate price, expand
choice and improve service for airline passengers."
"The combined company will be in a strong position to continue
to serve smaller and less profitable airports," says Robert
Johnson, president of C4CC. "A seamless connection for business
travels is important, and greater access for use of miles for
travel should be important to frequent fliers.
If you've never heard of C4CC... well, neither had we. As it
turns out, until July 2007 the group was known as "Consumers for
Cable Choice," which fought for deregulation of the cable
television industry. Prior to that, it was "Consumers Voice," a
lobbying organization for phone companies.
"The combined airline will be able to reach out to communities
across the globe through its expanded route system," Johnson added.
"As the single largest airline in the US, it will have the
resources and might to weather the difficulties that have plagued
other airlines."
C4CC notes both carriers have promised to keep all hubs open
(a promise few in the industry believe will survive the
economic realities of combining two large operations --
Ed.) and to improve international access for
smaller communities.
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