The Hub is Key

That deal? Preserve the Minneapolis–St. Paul International hub at all costs. There have been endless studies that show that the presence of a major airline hub increases high-tech jobs with high wages. The loss of the hub would be a devastating blow to our business community and the vitality of future economic activity. And the brutal fact is that without a merger with Delta, economics will drive business and air carriers in a different directions.

You, of course, have leverage. As we both know, on a pure antitrust analysis, the Department of Justice will certainly approve this merger. But you will remain chair of the transportation and infrastructure committee—the nation’s expert in transportation. And there’s that little matter of the agreement between the State of Minnesota and Northwest Airlines dating to 1992. Northwest is required to keep its headquarters and hub in Minnesota or pay back more than $200 million in bond debt issued by the Metropolitan Airports Commission. In addition, Northwest would forfeit airport rent concessions worth approximately $200 million through the year 2020.

We want you to use your leverage to save the hub. Losing the headquarters is a loss to the community and a bitter pill, but it will happen in any event. The red tail will go away one way or the other. But you can help craft what no one else could: You can save the hub, Northwest’s Chisholm Reservation Center, and approximately 12,000 airline employees’ jobs in Minnesota. In fact, if structured with your help, this merger can result in increased international presence in the Twin Cities and additional employment at our hub airport. After all, that’s why you’re the chair.

Sincerely Yours,

Vance K. Opperman
Your Friend and a Frequent Flyer