Delta Air Lines has put on hold plans to sell its Comair regional division while it explores a possible merger with United Airlines or another rival, the Financial Times reported on Sunday.
Delta said in October it expects to make a decision on the potential sale of Comair in the next quarter.
The Atlanta-based airline has had preliminary discussions with JPMorgan on its options for the unit, the FT said. It will not retain the firm until a special committee of Delta directors and their bankers -- Merrill Lynch and Greenhill -- has completed the merger review, according to the paper, citing people familiar with the company's plans.
In postponing its decision on Comair, Delta may be following through with its stated plans to participate in the industry's expected consolidation, the paper said.
