February 20, 2008 Proposed deal would combine Delta, Northwest Play video

(NECN) - An impasse among pilot negotiators over determining seniority has put a $20 billion deal to combine Delta Air Lines Inc. and Northwest Airlines Corp. in "serious jeopardy."

Sources close to the talks have told The Associated Press the pilots unions have agreed on a comprehensive joint contract, but they are unable to agree to how seniority for the 12,000 pilots would work under a combined carrier.

Talks are expected to continue, but if no agreement is reached, a deal on the combination of the two airlines could be in trouble.

A combination of Atlanta-based Delta and Eagan, Minn.-based Northwest would create the world's largest airline in terms of traffic.

Boston Globe business reporter Nicole Wong joins NECN for this "Talk Around the Globe" segment.