Will Become The World's Largest Embraer ERJ145 Aircraft Operator

The ExpressJet Airlines pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), responded positively to the announcement today that parent company ManaAir LLC will be adding 36 Embraer 145 regional jets to its existing fleet as the company also works to finalize a multiyear extension of its flying agreement with United Airlines.

“We are very optimistic about today’s announcement and United’s confidence in ExpressJet and its pilots to continue to provide exemplary service in the 50-seat market,” said Capt. Joe Mauro, chairman of the ExpressJet Airlines Master Executive Council, the governing body of the ExpressJet pilots. “This announcement confirms what the ExpressJet pilots have known all along—our dedication and professionalism have positioned ExpressJet as the premier United Express carrier.”

With the addition of the new regional jets, ExpressJet will become the world’s largest operator of the 50-seat ERJ 145, with 125-plus aircraft.

“Our ability to adapt to United’s larger growth plan in this environment of consolidation is key to our resiliency and our ability to position ExpressJet pilots for long-term stability and growth,” Mauro added. “This announcement also gives us an opportunity to work with our management team to negotiate compensation and quality-of-life improvements to the ExpressJet collective bargaining agreement in order to retain pilots already on the property and to make XJT attractive to new hires.”

Under the agreement, ExpressJet will add 36 Embraer ERJ145 aircraft to its United Express fleet. "We have made the long-term commitment to the Embraer ERJ145 and designed the comprehensive cabin, seat, and entertainment upgrade to deliver a contemporary customer experience," said Sarah Murphy, Senior Vice President of United Express. "We're confident that our partners at ExpressJet can execute that vision."

"United's trust in ExpressJet is a testament to the dedication and adaptability of ExpressJet's employees," said Subodh Karnik, Chairman and CEO of ExpressJet Airlines. "Growing our fleet and upgrading the ERJ145s embodies our vision: 'To be the United Express carrier that best understands and fulfills the needs of United Airlines.'"

As part of the long-term commitment to the Embraer ERJ145 and growth of the fleet, ExpressJet will announce additions to its crew bases and facilities at United hubs, including Denver, in the coming weeks. As part of the agreement, ExpressJet will also phase out their small fleet of E175 aircraft to speed-up growth and become an efficient single-fleet airline.

ManaAir, of which United Airlines is a 49 percent stakeholder, purchased ExpressJet Airlines in early 2019 and flies exclusively as United Express.

(Source: ALPA and ExpressJet news releases. Image from file)

FMI: www.alpa.org
www.expressjet.com