We could see the birth of the world’s biggest airline, even though we are in the midst of this global financial crisis. The Associated Press is reporting that Northwest shareholders approved combining the two carriers can be combined today, and Delta shareholders are expected to vote later today. An air travel expert says a merger should improve the experience for passengers.

Today, shareholders of Delta Air Lines and Northwest Airlines will vote on combining the carriers. The new airline would keep the Delta name and its Atlanta headquarters. But first, approval must come from U.S. regulators and a federal lawsuit trying to block the deal needs to be resolved.