Northwest Airlines, in operation since 1926 in one form or another, will soon cease operating under its name. The Federal Aviation Administration has approved the carrier’s bid to change its branding to Delta Airlines, which acquired Northwest late in 2008.

Both carriers will now operate under a single certificate, allowing Delta to place its codes on Northwest flights and phase out the latter’s brand entirely. Delta will be the single largest airline in the world.

Despite the fact that the task seems difficult, much of the heavy-lifting on the brand merger has already been carried out. More than 80% of the aircraft previously operating under Northwest’s heading are now bearing the Delta logo. Employees from both carriers are now wearing the same uniforms, while the two frequent flier programs have already been merged.

Northwest Airlines: 1926 – 2010