US Airways' proposed $8 billion purchase of Delta Air Lines would produce "new connectivity and an enhanced Northeast and East Coast position that would allow the new Delta to better compete for corporate accounts

," said US Airways CEO Doug Parker. The combined network would "optimize" hub operations in Atlanta, Charlotte, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh and Salt Lake City. In the Northeast, international service would primarily emanate from New York JFK and Philadelphia while domestic operations would be centered on New York LaGuardia. Parker also noted that US Airways' plan "contemplates selling one of the shuttles" operated by Delta and US Airways in the Northeast corridor. The merger would require various regulatory approvals. Delta thus far has stated its intentions to emerge from bankruptcy as a standalone competitor.