Delta's Merger Buzz May Stir the Industry and Launch New Airline Consolidation

From The Wall Street Journal Online:

The U.S. airline industry may be on the brink of another big thrust of consolidation, prompted by a combination of high fuel costs, low share prices, and broad economic uncertainty -- as well as carriers' hope for more regulatory indulgence from a Republican administration.

[A]t a time when Democrats stand a good chance of retaking the White House next fall, the airlines believe approval by antitrust regulators is more likely under President Bush, [The Wall Street Journal] says. "Airline executives and investors believe deals need to be forged in the next 30 to 45 days to allow enough time for scrutiny before the new administration takes office a year from now," the Journal adds.