DOT set to okay ExpressJet Airlines restart

The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued a show-cause order signalling its intention to allow ExpressJet Airlines (EV, Atlanta Hartsfield Jackson) to resume scheduled passenger services.

The regulator tentatively found the regional carrier fit, willing, and able to conduct both scheduled interstate and international operations. Although ExpressJet plans to focus on the domestic market initially, it also applied for international authorisation in anticipation of future growth plans and to “preserve operational flexibility”.

ExpressJet suspended all operations at the end of September 2020, after United Airlines decided to move all of its E145s to CommutAir amid a worsening COVID-19 crisis. At that time, ExpressJet operated only as a production carrier and had no other customers. However, following a period of dormancy during the winter season, in April 2021, the airline announced it would restart as an independent regional carrier. It intends to begin operations with a single E145, adding up to nine more units of the type over the next 12 months. ExpressJet plans to focus on serving second- and third-tier cities in the US with an average sector length of around 540 miles (870 kilometres).

The DOT stressed that its current authorisation only covers the initial ten aircraft. Should ExpressJet Airlines wish to grow its fleet beyond that number in the future, it would have to seek additional authorisation from the regulator.

Despite the conclusion of its operations for United Airlines, ExpressJet Airlines remains owned by ManaAir, LLC, a JV in which United holds a minority stake.