ExpressJet to resume ops as an independent carrier

ExpressJet Airlines (EV, Atlanta Hartsfield Jackson) has formalised its plans to resume scheduled flight operations as an independent carrier after it asked the US Department of Transportation (DOT) to waive a 45-day advance filing requirement for the resumption of said operations under its certificate authorities. ExpressJet is wholly owned by Delaware-based limited liability company ManaAir, a joint venture between KAir Enterprises LLC, a Georgian LLC co-owned by airline president and CEO Subodh. Karnik with a 50.1% stake and United Airlines (UA, Chicago O’Hare) with 49.9%. A production carrier at the time, it suspended flight operations in late September last year after United moved all of its E145 flying to CommutAir (C5, Cleveland Hopkins) amid the worsening impact of COVID-19. However, with the US regional market now recovering, the ExpressJet management has now decided to push ahead with plans to resume operations using its own brand later this quarter. “To this end, ExpressJet initiated its ramp-up in January 2021 after finalising a new business plan, which will allow the carrier to reinstate approximately 300 employees over an initial 12-month period and provide service to several underserved communities,” it said. “United, by virtue of its 49.9% minority shareholding in ManaAir, is aware that ExpressJet is seeking DOT approval to resume scheduled operations as an independent carrier and has advised that it has no objections to ExpressJet seeking such approval.” ExpressJet said it planned to offer point-to-point flights between small and medium-sized US cities that have lost service in recent years due to US airline industry consolidation and COVID-19 driven route reductions. Initial routes will focus on an average stage length of approximately 540 miles (869 kilometres). Operationally, it is looking to lease a total of ten E145s this year. ExpressJet anticipates operating costs of approximately USD60.4 million during the 12 months following its resumption of scheduled service.