In full-page advertisements placed in The Salt Lake Tribune and the Deseret Morning News, Grinstein is expressing gratitude for the "overwhelming support and vote of confidence" Delta has received from Utahns since Nov. 15, when US Airways unveiled its hostile bid to buy Delta and create the nation's biggest airline.
"The immediate and wide-spread support from congressional and community leaders, business leaders and partners, friends and neighbors, and our customers for Delta to continue flying high in Salt Lake City and to remain a strong, independent company echoes the resolve of all Delta people," Grinstein said in the ad.
Grinstein's words are the first Delta message aimed squarely at Salt Lake since the takeover offer was announced. What's more, they follow another setback. Worried in part by US Airways' bid and by Delta's bankruptcy, the Utah Jazz last week sold the naming rights to the Delta Center to Salt Lake City-based EnergySolutions.
Pilot Mark Dunn welcomed Grinstein's missive. But he said the timing of the advertisement underscores a view inside the company that Delta reacts too slowly when put under pressure.
"It takes Delta a long time to think before it speaks. Sometimes that's a good thing. Sometimes it's not," Dunn said. "I would hope there is a lot going on behind the scenes in Atlanta, but I haven't seen much that there is."
In fact, Delta has been revving up its public relations machine. A similar ad appeared in an Atlanta newspaper seven days ago. The airline has made Chief Financial Officer Ed Bastian available for media interviews. Bastian, one of two candidates for Grinstein's job when the 74-year-old CEO retires next year, said Delta will put a vastly superior reorganization plan before creditors in mid- December.
In the Salt Lake ad, Grinstein repeats his wish for Delta to remain independent after leaving bankruptcy next year. And Grinstein mentions Delta's "proud" partnerships with organizations that "contribute to the fabric of Utah's unique culture."
The airline helps support the Salt Lake City Convention and Visitors Bureau, Days of '47, the Sundance Film Festival, the Utah Symphony and Opera, Ski Utah and the Jazz. It also underwrites Ballet West, Brigham Young University's football and basketball teams, and the Salt Lake City International Jazz Festival.
Delta spokesman Anthony Black said Grinstein's letter was Delta's way of thanking local civic leaders and politicians who have expressed support. Last week, U.S. Reps. Rob Bishop, Chris Cannon and Jim Matheson wrote letters to Grinstein.
"Also, it's a way for Delta to let employees know that the city is rallying behind Delta in its effort to emerge from bankruptcy as a strong, stand-alone airline," Black said.
Delta operates its westernmost hub at Salt Lake City International Airport. The carrier employs 3,900 people in the area, including 580 pilots.
On Friday, US Airways continued its own PR barrage in a newsletter sent to employees. Addressing critics who say a merger with Delta would lead to higher fares, US Airways said it has lowered fares an average of 24 percent in hundreds of business and leisure markets since it merged with AmericaWest last year.
pbeebe@sltrib.com
