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Northwest Airlines, Inc., Continental Airlines and Delta Air Lines have signed a cooperative marketing agreement. The agreement, when fully implemented, will connect the three carriers' domestic and international networks, and include code sharing, frequent flyer program reciprocity, and a reciprocal airport lounge program.

As a result of the pact, the three airlines will offer travelers a broad network connecting hundreds of cities. Northwest, Continental and Delta will engage in discussions with their respective European carrier partners regarding trans-Atlantic cooperation and inclusion in the SkyTeam Alliance.

The three airlines have no plans to merge their operations and will retain separate boards, management and headquarters. No layoffs, mergers of workforces, transfers of flying, assets, or closures of facilities are planned as a result of the proposed agreement. The three carriers will remain competitors.

The three airlines bring a geographically convenient hub and spoke network to the alliance that will result in travel efficiencies previously unavailable for domestic and international travelers alike. The three carriers also will offer greater non-stop service to Asian destinations as well as increased East to West Coast service.