ExpressJet suspends service

Houston-based ExpressJet appears set to become the newest airline to ground all of its planes and cancel all branded routes, due to record high fuel prices and the difficulty of remaining profitable in these conditions. The carrier informed journalists and frequent passengers that it would suspend all branded operations starting this September, citing petrol prices as the primary reason.

ExpressJet focuses on offering regional service and is based in Houston, Texas. Established in 1986, the carrier operates hubs from the LA/Ontario Airport, George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Newark Liberty and Cleveland Hopkins. The carrier works together with both Delta and Continental, providing regional service to passengers of these two larger entities. While this part of the airline’s business will continue, its own branded flights will be discontinued. Jim Ream, ExpressJet’s CEO, posted a letter to all of the airline’s clients and supporters earlier today, informing them of the fact that the company had little choice but to suspend its flights, while also thanking regular passengers for their business and confidence in America’s 14^th largest carrier. “If we had any other choice, we would not take this difficult action. However, rising fuel prices has made the operation impossible to sustain,” Ream explained.

The last branded flight will take off on September 2^nd, 2008, but the carrier is guaranteeing that all reservations already made will be honoured, until September 1^st. Those with tickets for later flights are being advised to contact ExpressJet as soon as possible in order to claim a refund.

Thank you to Shelby Capacio of KERO23 ABC News for the direct quotes

www.expressjet.com