Archives: Will Delta Move Western Hub?

May 12, 2000

Delta Airlines wants to set the record straight. It is NOT leaving Utah.

At least that's what the airline told reporters today, at a news conference called by Salt Lake City's mayor.

There were firm statements from two Delta officials seated beside Mayor Rocky Anderson. Both say reports of the airline using threats to get a tax break are incorrect.

Threats or not, it looks like the state is working to give the airline what it wants.

The tax commission has proposed $3-million in property tax breaks. But airline officials insist they never threatened to leave in order to get them.

Tom Lazour/Delta Airlines: "DELTA HAS NO PLANS TO LEAVE SALT LAKE CITY AND NEVER HAVE WE THREATENED TO LEAVE. WE'RE NOT SUGGESTING THAT THE SALT LAKE CITY HUB IS AT RISK, THAT DELTA AIRLINES IS HERE TO STAY."

However, the fact remains that Delta is concerned about its tax burden here, and about the price of fuel in Utah. The airline will work with lawmakers to see what kinds of relief the state can provide.