US carriers Delta and Northwest Airlines have confirmed that they are to merge in a $17.7 billion (£8.9 billion) deal.

The new entity will bear the Delta name and will benefit passengers through the provision of more destinations and further opportunities to earn frequent flyer miles, according to the two firms.

Passengers have been advised that the merger will take up to eight months to complete, meaning that those with reservations with either airline can assume that their flight will run as normal.

Customers with both carriers will not have to rebook if they have a confirmed reservation and all existing sales agreements will continue to be honoured.

"The new carrier will offer superior route diversity across the US, Latin America, Europe and Asia and will be better able to overcome the industry's boom-and-bust cycles," commented Northwest Airlines chief executive Doug Steenland.

Delta is known for its coverage of the Caribbean, Latin American, European, Middle Eastern and African markets, while Northwest Airlines has traditionally had strengths in the Asian sector.

• Qantas developing new business class services
• Eastern Airways most punctual scheduled airline
• Etihad experiences busiest day ever
• Singapore Air receives fifth A380
• Bmi planning more Heathrow to Saudi Arabia flights
• New bmi flights from Edinburgh to Copenhagen
• United Airlines opens new Chicago O'Hare lounge
• Etihad boosts Heathrow-Abu Dhabi flights
• American Airlines to test inflight broadband
• Awards recognise best of Asia