Delta Air Lines and Northwest Airlines agreed to merge in a deal valued at $17.7 billion.
Still subject to final approval, the merger is expected to close this fall or winter.
As part of the deal, the two airlines will retain the Delta name, Delta CEO Richard Anderson will lead the combined company, which will be based in Atlanta.
The carriers said they plan to keep all of their existing hubs open.
According to Delta, the group travel programs for both airlines will not be affected until the merger is complete, and at press time information was not available regarding any potential changes.
