General,
First I don't work for DL or NWA, so don't have a dog in this fight. However, just want to 'enlighten' you.
From DL own info; they list about half of their MD-88 fleet as 'owned' (not leased), about 63 a/c, and also shows only about 18 of those a/c with financing/ETCs (enhanced trust certificates/bonds) attached to them. And, in their 767-300 fleet, about 54 a/c as 'owned' with only about 10 with ETCs attached. Thus, DL has plenty of room to park more than a few a/c, with NO financial penalty; and may in fact do so to reduce capacity. And, I did even look at the 757 fleet.
Very simple 'fact' if DL announced a large# of a/c being parked, major 'cutbacks' and 'lay-offs' What do You think would happen to 'support' for the merger?? From local/state gov't, unions, etc. Simple politics.
If you think that the new DL will just continue to 'expand, expand' and add more a/c, with oil at $125-130/bbl. economy slowing even more (I personal believe we are going into a prolonged recession later this year), and European economies slowing (recently reported, First/Business class flyers in the first 4 mths of this year, down 4-5%); if you still believe the expansion will just go on and on, then maybe I can sell you the Brooklyn Bridge. It just turned 125yrs. old, took 14 yrs. to build in 1883, but still 'like new'
Just FYI, for what its worth.
PD