Delta Sells Regional Carriers to Focus on Main Routes

Delta Air Lines Inc. agreed to sell its Mesaba and Compass regional carriers to Pinnacle Airlines Corp. and Trans States Holdings Inc. to reduce operating costs and focus on its main jet routes.

Delta, the world’s biggest carrier, will sell Mesaba for $62 million and Compass for $20.5 million. Both airlines will continue to ferry passengers from smaller cities to Delta hubs under the Delta Connection name, Atlanta-based Delta said today in a statement.