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United Ramps up Regional Jet Stockpile With ExpressJet Purchase

Dec. 18, 2018
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2 min read
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United Ramps up Regional Jet Stockpile With ExpressJet Purchase
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Give anything long enough, and history is apt to repeat itself — even in aviation. ExpressJet, once a subsidiary of Continental Airlines, is coming back home in a roundabout way. After ceasing regional jet operations with Delta Air Lines in 2017, parent company SkyWest is selling ExpressJet to United Airlines joint venture ManaAir, LLC for $70 million in cash.

ExpressJet presently operates a fleet of more than 120 jets: 105 Embraer ERJ-145s, 14 Bombardier CRJ700s, eight CRJ200s and one CRJ100. With Delta out of the mix and its service to American Airlines winding down, the move to United is a logical one.

In past years, ExpressJet operated Delta Connection routes with a fleet of CRJ200 aircraft. (Photo by Darren Murph / The Points Guy)

The company will operate 25 United-owned Embraer 175 aircraft, which "feature a special, 70-seat configuration versus the current 76-seat E175 configuration that's currently flying." The transition is slated to begin in Q2 2019, and if things go well the agreement also gives ExpressJet "priority position to add 25 new dual-cabin aircraft with United should those opportunities arise."

There's no word just yet on which routes or regions these jets will serve, but it's safe to say that competition is rising in the space. Beginning Jan. 31, 2019, Delta Air Lines will begin serving short and medium-haul markets with the new Airbus A220 — a narrowbody jet with 3-2 seating that looks, feels and acts like a modern widebody within. Meanwhile, we're still waiting for the next-gen E2 showcased in 2016 to become a reality.

H/T: FlightGlobal

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  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
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  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
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  • Annual Fee is $325.
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