ATLANTA -- Delta Air Lines' purchase of ASA Holdings, parent of
Atlantic Southeast Airlines, will allow better schedule
coordination and aircraft utilization by the two lines, Delta chief
operating officer Maurice Worth said.
Delta agreed to buy the commuter line for about $700
million.
ASA, founded in 1979, has been a Delta Connection carrier since
1984 and will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Delta.
The effect on ASA jobs will be "minimal," Worth said.
Delta does not plan a name change but does not rule it out.
The deal does not represent any change in strategy for Delta,
Worth said.
It was simply "an opportunity" that came up.
George Pickett, ASA chairman and chief executive officer, will
stay through the transition and said he will be available
as a consultant thereafter.
John Selvaggio, Delta's senior vice president for airport
customer service, will coordinate the transition.