51.   The commission originally gave the holding company permission to operate the two airlines and has the power to revoke it.

52.   The challenge of integrating the two airlines looms large.

53.   The Federal Aviation Administration said Thursday it has no plans to challenge the merger of ValuJet and AirTran Airways and still considers the two airlines separate companies.

54.   The four airlines have applied to the U.S. Department of Transportation for immunity from antitrust regulations as part of their plans to deepen their existing alliance.

55.   The four airlines will share airport lounges, pool frequent-flier miles programs, and collaborate on schedule coordination and other ventures.

56.   The linked system also will make it easier to schedule trips involving passenger transfers between the two airlines.

57.   The pilots counter that Northwest is not offering the hefty stock options and profit sharing that the other airlines give their pilots.

58.   The pilots say the package will still pay them less than what pilots receive at the other airlines.

59.   The three airlines are each about twice the size of Northwest or Continental, Steenland said, adding that the alliance creates a network of equal size.

60.   The Swiss national carrier said the U.S. Department of Transportation has tentatively granted the four airlines antitrust immunity.