SkyWest Selling ExpressJet

Editorial Staff

Thursday, December 20, 2018 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

SkyWest announced the sale of ExpressJet to ManaAir, a joint venture of United Airlines, for approximately $70 million.
SkyWest will retain ownership of ExpressJet's aircraft but will lease 20 CRJ200s back to ExpressJet for up to five years, with the transaction expected to close in early 2019.
ExpressJet, which currently operates as United Express and American Eagle, will not have its contract with American Airlines renewed when it expires in 2019.

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SkyWest announced that it has entered into an agreement to sell ExpressJet to United Airlines joint venture ManaAir on Tuesday. According to the company, the price tag on the deal is approximately $70 million. Although SkyWest will retain ownership of the aircraft currently in service at ExpressJet, the transaction includes an agreement for ExpressJet to lease 20 CRJ200s from SkyWest for up to five years. The sale is expected to close in early 2019.

“Today’s announcement provides further clarity and focus for the future,” said SkyWest CEO Chip Childs. “We want to thank the employees of ExpressJet for their valued contributions and we look forward to continuing to strengthen our partnership with United.”

ExpressJet currently partners with United, operating as United Express, and American Airlines, operating as American Eagle. As previously reported on AVweb, the carrier’s contract with American will not be renewed when it expires in 2019. ExpressJet reports that its fleet includes 11 CRJ700s, 10 CRJ200s and 105 ERJ145s.