Delta To Shut Down Comair Subsidiary
Cincinnati, OH - Delta Air Lines will shut down its Comair subsidiary as it cuts back on low-margin regional flying. In a memo issued to the Officers and Directors of Delta Air Lines, Don Bornhorst, Senior Vice President of Delta Connection, said:
"(…) as a result of (…) reduction and changes to its customer-focused business strategy, Delta has made the difficult decision to cease Comair's operations."
Comair, which serves mid-west and east coast hubs, will cease operations after September 29.
Delta recently announced its intent to reduce the overall number of 50-seat regional jets in its network from nearly 350 to 125 or fewer in light of the significant changes in the economic and competitive conditions in the airline industry.
“I understand that today's news is very difficult and raises many questions for you and your family. (…) The discontinuation of Comair's operations is in no way a failure or a reflection of your work – it is an unfortunate necessity due to the economic limitations of our aging aircraft, cost structure, the long-term outlook for 50-seat aircraft, and our challenging industry and economy. (…)” – wrote Ryan Gumm, President of Comair to Comair employees in a memo.
According to its website Comair had about 1,700 employees as of March 2012. Cincinnati-based Comair accounts for about 1 percent of Delta's network capacity. Its fleet is comprised entirely of Bombardier's 50-, 65- and 76-seat Regional Jets.
