The regional airline ExpressJet, which went dormant in the fall after losing its contract to operate United Express-branded flights, plans to resume service as an independent carrier.
In an April 15 DOT application, ExpressJet said it intends to fly a point-to-point route network to small- and medium-sized airports that have lost service in recent years due to U.S. airline industry consolidation or Covid-19-driven route reductions. The average flight length will be approximately 540 miles.
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ExpressJet currently has a single 50-seat Embraer ERJ-145 jet in its fleet. The carrier intends to add nine more ERJ-145s during its first year of renewed operations. The Atlanta-based company has submitted a Notice of Intent to Resume Scheduled Air Transportation to the DOT and has requested that the department waive the 45-day advance filing requirement. ExpressJet has not revealed planned routes.
The company's leadership has remained largely intact since Sept. 30, when it operated its last flight on behalf of United. CEO Subodh Karnik continues to head the airline.
The Covid-19-related schedule cutback prompted United not to renew its contract with ExpressJet last fall.