Atlanta, GA-area-based ExpressJet Airlines filed for bankruptcy protection under Chapter 11 in Delaware and ceased all flight operations. ExpressJet has been operating as “aha!” from Reno-Tahoe to eleven cities in the western states and has also been providing ad-hoc charter services over the past six months.
ExpressJet is the “reboot” of the airline that flew as Delta Connection and United Express for several decades and is the amalgamation of the erstwhile Atlantic Southeast Airlines and Continental Express. At its peak, ExpressJet operated more than 450 aircraft. In July 2020, United terminated its contract with the carrier, consolidating its regional operations with CommutAir.
“A combination of conditions led us to this decision,” said Subodh Karnik, Chairman and CEO of ExpressJet. “Despite the valiant efforts of our employees to overcome challenges, and despite great support by our cities and airports – especially Reno-Tahoe and the community there, we arrived at a point where termination of operations was in the best interest of our stakeholders,” he added.
The company cited the lack of availability of aircraft, lower revenues due to COVID-19 and rising costs as the cause for chapter 11 filing. Also, the inability to implement hotel bundle offers hampered its “air hotel adventure” packages.
Customers should contact their credit card company to request refunds. Unfortunately, ExpressJet is unable to assist with alternate travel arrangements.
The company indicated that expects to enter an orderly court-supervised liquidation in the coming weeks.
