CEOs: Merger will help Delta and Northwest compete in tough economic times

NEW YORK (CNN) - The leaders of Delta and Northwest airlines said Tuesday that their pending merger would create a global airline that will be strong enough to compete in these tough economic times.

"What this does create for the consumers of the United States is the very first global airline," said Richard Anderson, CEO of Delta Air Lines. "We will have a network throughout Asia, the Middle East, Africa and India, over 400 cities, 67 countries. And many, many more choices for consumers."

The comments came as both CEOs sat side by side Tuesday in New York, during an interview with CNN's "American Morning." They'll hold a joint news conference at 10:30 a.m. to talk about the deal.