Delta Air Lines and Northwest Airlines got a major green light on Aug.6 in their progress toward a merger. The European Commission gave the project its unconditional clearance.

In its investigation, the Commission said it found no impediment to effective competition in Europe or the trans-Atlantic.

"The Delta-Northwest merger will combine two complementary networks to offer customers greater access to destinations across the globe. We continue to work closely with the U.S. Department of Justice and remain confident that we will be able to finalize the merger by the end of the year," said Delta CEO Richard Anderson.

Delta and Northwest in April announced their intention to combine in an all-stock transaction. The new company will operate under the Delta name and be headquartered in Atlanta. The combined company will provide access to 390 destinations in 67 countries. After the European Commission's approval, the merger is still subject to the approval of Delta and Northwest stockholders and the U.S. Department of Justice, which are targeted for completion later this year.