United Ramps up Regional Jet Stockpile With ExpressJet Purchase
This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page.
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.
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
Sign-up Successful!
Welcome to The Points Guy!
Earn 90,000 bonus miles and 10,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new card in the first three months of card membership. Offer ends 11/10/2021.
With Status Boost™, earn 10,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, up to two times per year getting you closer to Medallion Status. Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels, 2X Miles at restaurants and at U.S. supermarkets and earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases. Terms Apply.
- Limited Time Offer: Earn 90,000 Bonus Miles and 10,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months. Offer expires 11/10/2021.
- Earn up to 20,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) with Status Boost® per year. After you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can earn 10,000 MQMs two times per year, getting you closer to Medallion® Status. MQMs are used to determine Medallion® Status and are different than miles you earn toward flights.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
- Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery and at U.S. supermarkets.
- Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your Card. *Payment of the government imposed taxes and fees of no more than $75 for roundtrip domestic flights (for itineraries with up to four flight segments) is required. Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
- Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights.
- Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre✓®.
- Enjoy an exclusive rate of $39 per person per visit to enter the Delta Sky Club® for you and up to two guests when traveling on a Delta flight.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- $250 Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Disclaimer: The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.