Union eager for sale of east coast refinery to US Delta Airlines

10 April 2012 21:37  [Source: ICIS news]

 HOUSTON (ICIS)--The possibility that US-based Delta Airlines will bid on an idled refinery in Pennsylvania excited the United Steelworkers union, a spokeswoman said on Tuesday.

Last week, business news broadcaster CNBC reported that Delta’s board of directors had met twice to discuss a potential bid for ConocoPhillips’ idled 185,000 bbl/day Trainer refinery in Pennsylvania, in order to hedge the price for jet fuel.

“I think [the idea’s] brilliant, if it happens and if it’s true,” said United Steelworkers (USW) union spokeswoman Lynne Hancock. “I think it’s great.”

The majority of jet fuel refined on the east coast has historically supplied the New York and Philadelphia metropolitan airports.

While analysts and bankers have questioned the deal, Hancock said Delta does not need first hand knowledge of how to operate a refinery.

Delta and ConocoPhillips declined to comment on the rumour when it was reported last week.

By: Sheena Martin
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