Delta, the nation's third-largest airline behind American and United, has about $20 billion in debt.

The two gave up well-paying jobs to join Delta when it was already clear that the country's third-largest airline was in trouble.

The merger between the two carriers will create the world's third-largest airline in terms of revenue.

The announcement begins the second phase of what could be a drawn-out battle for control of the country's third-largest airline.

The nation's second- and third-largest airlines reported mixed earnings results yesterday for the quarter that ended in June.

Excluding the charge, Delta, the nation's third-largest airline, lost $81.7 million, which was more than analysts had expected.

Delta, the nation's third-largest airline, also announced that it would eliminate 1,500 flight attendant jobs, or about 9 percent of those jobs.

Her reference was to a large cost-cutting program at Delta, the nation's third-largest airline.

Delta, the nation's third-largest airline, is the latest carrier to cut its work force to maintain its financial viability.

Such growth may lead Delta, the nation's third-largest airline, to rehire some of its 400 pilots currently on furlough.