DOJ approves Delta merger ATLANTA, GA (WABE) - Today, the US Department of Justice cleared the way for Atlanta-based Delta Airlines and Northwest Airlines to merge.

The Department's anti-trust division spent the last 6 months determining if the merger would give the combined airline an unfair advantage over other air carriers.

The new airline will keep the Delta name and its Atlanta headquarters.

In a statement, the division said the merger is likely to produce substantial and credible efficiencies that will benefit US Consumers and is not likely to substantially lessen competition.

The decision was good news for Delta. Chris Kelly is a company spokesperson.

KELLY: "We are pleased that the DOJ has decided not to challenge the Delta and Northwest merger and we really look forward to closing the merger very soon."

The new Delta will be the biggest around. The company says no other US-based air carrier will fly to more destinations in the world. © Copyright 2012, WABE