ExpressJet Airlines, a former U.S. regional carrier with roots that go back more than 30 years, is seeking to relaunch operations with one Boeing 777.
The carrier suspended operations in summer 2022 “due to a combination of adverse market and economic conditions.” In a July 17 filing with the U.S. Transportation Department (DOT) ExpressJet requests a 90-day extension of its Certificate’s upcoming revocation-for-dormancy date, while it works to submit its formal intent to resume operations.
After emerging from bankruptcy in early 2023, the carrier was acquired by Polaris 8, a company owned by operators of Nevada-based lessor and aviation solutions provider Logistic Air, and Wyoming-based Global Supertanker Aviation LLC. In the DOT filing, ExpressJet says it plans to operate Part 121 charter passenger flights using, initially, one leased 777-200ER owned by Logistic and formerly operated by Japan Airlines, according to the Aviation Week Network Fleet Discovery database.
“ExpressJet is well-capitalized and can fully satisfy the financial fitness test typically applied by the Department to applicants proposing to resume certificated operations,” the filing states. Capital required to relaunch operations is expected to amount to approximately $1.9 million, the carrier notes, which it plans to fund using cash on hand. It adds, “the financial resources available to its owners easily exceed the amount that ExpressJet calculates will be required under the Department’s financial fitness test.”
ExpressJet, a one-time subsidiary of Continental Airlines, suspended operations in September 2020 after its flying under the United Express brand was terminated. Resuming operations in fall 2021 with charter service and a leisure-focused subsidiary airline aha!, it again suspended operations in August 2022 and filed for Chapter 11. At the time of the second suspension aha! operated 10 scheduled routes from Reno-Tahoe International to destinations in the western U.S., using four leased Embraer ERJ-145s.
If no waiver is granted, ExpressJet’s Certificate would be revoked for dormancy on Aug. 23. A 90-day extension would extend the window to Nov. 21.
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