ExpressJet will stop its operations in September 2020 ‒ an abrupt end for a former United Airlines regional operator that previously announced gradual wind-down over the coming months.

The information was revealed in an internal memo, obtained by PaXex.aero. It was addressed to the company’s workers, detailing a plan to halt operations and terminate or furlough most of the employees on September 30, 2020.

“The consensus was that given the continuing uncertainty in the COVID-19 impacted schedule beyond October, and the real possibility of a further reduction in flying, it would be extremely difficult to maintain any semblance of schedule integrity during this period,” ExpressJet CEO is quoted saying in the memo.

The date was chosen in accordance with the end of the CARES act, which prevents airline companies from firing employees while receiving government aid. The aid runs dry and the act expires on September 30.

ExpressJet used to operate an all-Embraer ERJ-145 fleet under the brand United Express for United Airlines. United dropped its long-running contract on July 30, 2020, in favour of its other regional contractor CommutAir. 

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An airline closure in sight? United drops ExpressJet contract
ExpressJet will start to downscale its operations as United Airlines drops its long-running contract with the regional firm leaving it on its own in the midst of a crisis.