Will Be Purchased By UAL Joint Venture ManaAir

SkyWest has entered into definitive agreements to sell ExpressJet Airlines to United Airlines joint venture ManaAir, LLC. The transaction is expected to close in early 2019, subject to customary closing conditions.

Consideration for the transaction includes approximately $70 million in cash for the majority of the assets and the assumption of liabilities of ExpressJet, subject to a working capital adjustment. The ExpressJet assets excluded from the transaction will be utilized or liquidated by SkyWest. The expected realizable value to SkyWest of the remaining inventory is estimated to approximate the value of the working capital adjustment. SkyWest will retain ownership of the CRJ aircraft currently in service at ExpressJet.

The transaction also includes certain protections around existing SkyWest Airlines flying, as well as priority position to add 25 new dual-cabin aircraft with United should those opportunities arise. As part of the transaction, SkyWest has also agreed to lease 20 CRJ200s to ExpressJet for up to five years.

"Today's announcement provides further clarity and focus for the future," said Chip Childs, SkyWest, Inc. President and Chief Executive Officer. "We want to thank the employees of ExpressJet for their valued contributions and we look forward to continuing to strengthen our partnership with United."

(Source: SkyWest news release. Image from file)

FMI: www.skywest.com