Jan 17, 2008 6:46 pm US/Central
Gov. Pawlenty Asks To Meet With CEOs of NWA, Delta
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) ―
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Pawlenty sent a letter Thursday to Northwest CEO Doug Steenland and Delta CEO Richard Anderson.
NWA / Delta
Gov. Tim Pawlenty said on Thursday he wants to speak with the CEOs of Delta and Northwest airlines to talk about the possibility that they might merge.
Pawlenty wrote to Northwest CEO Doug Steenland and Delta CEO Richard Anderson. The letter said he met with Steenland recently, but it didn't say when. Pawlenty spokesman Brian McClung said they did not discuss merger talks at the meeting.
Pawlenty also wrote that he wants to "respectfully remind you" of Northwest's commitments to keep its headquarters and a hub in Minnesota.
Northwest would give up $215 million in financial incentives at the airport between now and 2020 if it moves its headquarters out of Minnesota.
Speaking to reporters Thursday afternoon, Pawlenty called the penalty "significant." But he also appeared to offer state help to keep the airline here, although he didn't offer specifics.
"We just want to signal to them if that would actually make the difference, we are willing to have that discussion and make additional commitments if that will make the difference," he said.
(© 2009 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
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