Delta In Merger Talks

Feb 01, 2008 by Jeff Robinson

Governor Willing to Offer Tax Breaks To Keep Them

(KCPW News) Delta Air Lines is still discussing a merger with a few different potential partners. Governor Jon Huntsman says the state is prepared to offer Delta tax breaks to prevent them from leaving the state.

Some of the options include reducing the sales tax on jet fuel, which the governor says is very high in Utah when compared to the rest of the country, or reducing transit fees.

Governor Huntsman recently formed a task force with Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker to discuss the options.

The governor says what happens depends largely on which airline, if any, Delta merges with. If it's Northwest, Delta could not only maintain their presence here but add new destinations. But if it's a larger airline, like US Airways or United, he says there would be consequences for Utah.

The governor says Delta is critical not only to tourism but to local businesses, which rely on the airline for air freight operations. To listen to a conversation with Governor Jon Huntsman about Delta and other issues, download today's Midday Metro podcast.

Email to a friendPosted in KCPW Newsroom. Copyright 2008 KCPW