Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
Amanda Butterfield Reporting Delta pilots have voted to authorize a strike. It's not a pleasant thought for the Utah's economy. Delta is the state's largest air carrier; here's the biggest concern, a strike would be the demise of the airline. If that happens, Utah would get hit hard.
Robert Spendlove, Chief Economist: "Delta is a major player in Utah's economy."
That's why the governor's chief economist, Robert Spendlove, is watching the Delta dispute closely.
Robert Spendlove: "If they do go on strike, it will have a very large impact on the state economy."
Worst case scenario: pilots strike, Delta is grounded. That's going to mean about 5,000 Utahns lose their jobs. Now times that number by two.
Robert Spendlove: "Each delta job supports the equivalent of another job in states economy."
Multiplying in the average Utah income of $33,000 a year, you get about 330-million; that's what our economy would lose in a year. But again, that's the worst case scenario.
Here's another scenario. Pilots strike, but Delta still runs flights, though not at full capacity. It'll still dampen the economy.
Robert Spendlove: "It presents doubt in the economy, people pull back in consumer spending."
Now, some good news: If either of those two scenarios happen, Spendlove says it'll be okay.
Robert Spendlove: "We have one of the strongest economies in the nation, among highest employment growth in the nation, low unemployment, high population growth."
If you have a flight coming up with Delta, don't worry. A spokesperson says services won't be affected, and they're seeking a consensual deal with its pilots.
Delta Airlines is a major player in Utah and beyond. Delta is the world's second largest airline in terms of passengers carried. Its three major US hubs are Atlanta, Cincinnati and Salt Lake. Over 100 non-stop flights leave Salt Lake every day.
Delta was founded in 1924. In April of 1926, future partner, Western Air Express, flew the first cargo flight from Los Angeles to Salt Lake City. In May, Western Air's first passenger flight covered the same course. Western Air Express became Western Airlines, which merged with Delta in 1987.
