Airports commission: Delta plans no more Minnesota layoffs

The chairman of the Metropolitan Airports Commission says there's no sign Delta Airlines will eliminate more jobs in the state.

That's despite news on Tuesday that the company failed to meet Wall Street earnings expectations, and the fact the carrier is paying off a $270 million loan from the state approved 20 years ago for Northwest Airlines.

A key stipulation of the loan was that the airline keep at least 10,000 jobs in Minnesota. The loan -- which lawmakers approved in 1991 -- was part of a nearly $800 million aid package for Northwest Airlines, which completed its merger with Delta last year.

However, MAC Chairman Dan Boivin says the airport has a good relationship with Delta, and more job cuts are not likely.

"As a matter of fact, I'd hope to see some growth. For example they've built a new aircraft maintenance facility here, and are trying to hire back some old mechanics to work on planes for other airlines. So we're hoping there'll be some growth," Boivin said.

This summer, Delta said it would move several hundred jobs to its headquarters in Atlanta -- a process Boivin says has already begun.

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.