Delta wants to unload ASA, Comair

ATLANTA, March 8 (UPI) -- A Utah-based airline is considering buying one or both of Delta Air Lines' regional subsidiaries, the Wall Street Journal said Tuesday.

Delta, which reported a $2.2 billion loss in the fourth quarter of last year, wants to unload Comair and Atlantic Southeast Airlines, the Wall Street Journal said Tuesday.

Bradford Rich, chief financial officer of SkyWest, based in St. George, Utah, said SkyWest could cut at least 5 percent off the current costs of either carrier.

Delta paid $2.9 billion for the two companies about five years ago, but last year recorded a $1.9 billion charge to write down the estimated fair value of ASA and Comair.