ExpressJet, which formerly has flown
solely as Continental Express, unveiled the route map Feb. 1 under
its own brand name for new nonstop, regional jet service it will
launch between small and midsize communities in April.
ExpressJet, which
used to fly solely for Continental as Continental Express, started
selling tickets Feb. 1 under its own brand name for new nonstop,
50-seat regional jet service between small and midsize communities
.
The route map is
online at www.xjet.com/menu/whyxjet/routemap.htm. The
airline will use its 50-seat Embraer 145 aircraft for the service,
and will offer free XM Satellite radio, advanced seat assignments,
no middle seats and complimentary snacks and meals on longer
flights.
The list of
cities to be served are mostly west of the Mississippi, but not
exclusively, and includes places such as Bakersfield, Sacramento,
Monterrey, Ontario and San Diego, Calif.; Omaha, Neb.; Spokane,
Wash.; Boise, Idaho; Colorado Springs, Colo.; Oklahoma City and
Tulsa, Okla.; New Orleans; Jacksonville, Fla.; and Raleigh/Durham,
N.C. Its largest operations will be in Ontario, Calif. -- about 60
miles east of Los Angeles--from which it will fly to 14
cities.
Online bookings
did not start Feb. 1 as it had previously said, but customers could
place reservations by telephone with its outsourced at-home
agents.
ExpressJet also
is planning a big travel agent push, spokeswoman Kristy Nicholas
said. It is not paying commission, but is sending representatives
the week of Feb. 5 to meet with agents in the 24 start-up cities to
sell them on the new air travel option.
She said the
airline has reached agreements or is in the "final stages" of
negotiations with all of the major GDSs, and agent sales should
start by March.
Nicholas said the
"basic strategy" of the airline is "to connect communities that
have not had good service since deregulation."
She said
ExpressJet's fares will be "competitive" with the prices travelers
are paying for connecting service on other airlines.
To contact reporter Andrew Compart, send e-mail to [email protected].