Delta says it's open to merger

I'm glad to see you brought this up Doug. Its a fascinating story - but seems fraught with hurdles.

Delta and United have held informal merger talks in recent months and discussions are understood to be at an advanced level. With both airlines keen to progress further before the new administration takes office in two months, a merger such as this would be the decisive catalyst needed to launch the long-awaited U.S. Majors' re-equipment cycle.