WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces the witnesses for an Aviation Operations, Safety, and Security Subcommittee hearing on The State of the Airline Industry and the Potential Impact of a Delta/Northwest Merger scheduled for this Wednesday, May 7, 2008, at 2:30 p.m. A full witness list is below.

The record high cost of fuel is challenging U.S. air carriers’ ability to achieve continued financial stability. As a result, six air carriers have declared bankruptcy since the beginning of the year, and two major carriers have announced their intention to merge. This hearing will examine the current financial state and long-term economic outlook of domestic air carriers and the implications of consolidation. Senator Rockefeller will preside.

The State of the Airline Industry and the Potential Impact of a Delta/Northwest Merger
Aviation Operations, Safety, and Security Subcommittee
Date: Wednesday, May 7, 2008 
Time:  2:30 p.m.
Location:  Room 253, Russell Senate Office Building

Witnesses:
Mr. Richard Anderson, Chief Executive Officer, Delta Air Lines

Mr. Mark Cooper, Director of Research, Consumer Federation of America

Ms. Patricia Friend, International President, Association of Flight Attendants – CWA, AFL – CIO

Mr. Ray Neidl, Analyst, Calyon Securities

Mr. Patrick Murphy, Principal, Gerchick-Murphy Associates, LLC

Mr. Doug Steenland, President and Chief Executive Officer, Northwest Airlines