Delta says no decision imminent on Comair sale

NEW YORK, Jan 7 (Reuters) - Delta Air Lines Inc (DAL.N) said on Monday that it did not expect an "imminent" announcement on the sale of regional jet service unit Comair.

"We continue to evaluate our options to sell Comair," said Delta spokeswoman Betsy Talton. "No decision is imminent."

Delta, the No. 3 U.S. carrier, has been considering the sale of Comair since exiting bankruptcy at the end of April 2007, but has yet to close a deal.

The Financial Times reported on Sunday that Delta has put the sale of Comair on hold as it explores its strategic options, including mergers.

Buyers may also be scarce.

Regional carriers face a tough market, with U.S. airlines looking to cut costs as oil hovers near a record high and the U.S. economy softens. Also, if major U.S. carriers do merge, regional feeder service would likely be reduced.

AMR Corp (AMR.N), the parent of American Airlines, is also seeking to shed its regional carrier American Eagle. It plans to divest American Eagle sometime this year and has said it could sell it or spin it off. (Reporting by Chris Reiter; Editing by Dave Zimmerman)