Tag Archives: Embraer ERJ 145LR (EMB-145LR)

aha! adds Spokane, will add Palm Springs on January 3, 2022

aha! powered by veteran ExpressJet Airlines is excited to become part of the Spokane/Coeur d’Alene region with its inaugural nonstop flight to Reno on December 15, 2021. The inaugural flight begins aha! service between Reno-Tahoe International Airport and Spokane International Airport.

Flight Schedule
Through Jan. 3, 2021, flights operate each Monday, Wednesday and Friday departing Spokane International Airport at 3:15 p.m. PT arriving in Reno-Tahoe at 5:14 p.m. PT. Reno to Spokane flights depart at 12:25 p.m. PT and arrive at 2:24 p.m. PT. Beginning Jan. 6, flights will operate each Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday departing Spokane at 2:55 p.m. and arriving Reno at 4:54 p.m. Return flights will depart Reno at 12:05 p.m. and arrive Spokane at 2:04 p.m.

In other news, aha! has extended its bookable flight schedule through May 31, 2022.

aha! current route system includes three weekly flights between Reno-Tahoe and:

Bakersfield, Calif.
Eugene/Springfield, Ore.
Eureka/Arcata, Calif.
Fresno/Yosemite, Calif.
Medford/Ashland, Ore.
Ontario/Los Angeles, Calif.
Pasco/Tri-Cities, Wash.
Redmond/Bend, Ore.

Future aha! scheduled flights will include:

Spokane, Wash. (begins Dec. 15, 2021)
Palm Springs, Calif. (begins Jan. 3, 2022)

aha! plans to announce service to additional cities in 2022 offering travelers in the western United States the opportunity to enjoy exciting, short vacations to Reno and Lake Tahoe.

The quick, nonstop flights aboard ExpressJet 50-seat Embraer ERJ145 regional jets.

Top Copyright Photo: aha! – ExpressJet Airlines Embraer ERJ 145LR (EMB-145LR) N839HK (msn 14500829) ONT (Michael B. Ing). Image: 956014.

aha! aircraft slide show:

aha! aircraft photo gallery:

Trans States Airlines and Frontier Airlines announce flow program for aircraft maintenance technicians

Trans States Airlines made this announcement:

Aircraft Maintenance Technicians (AMTs) at Trans States Airlines now have a defined pathway to a guaranteed job at Frontier Airlines. A new program launched by the two airlines guarantees AMTs at Trans States an AMT position at Frontier after as little as three years of service with Trans States.

AMTs, who are also known as Aircraft Mechanics, are critical to an airline’s safety and performance. This program comes amid an industry-wide shortage of qualified AMTs, with not enough new AMTs entering the field to meet increased demand and replace forecasted retirements.

While the nationwide pilot shortage gave rise to numerous programs for regional airline pilots that facilitate the transition to major airlines, this program is the first of its kind for Aircraft Maintenance Technicians.

“While the pilot shortage may get the most press, the AMT shortage is real and it is here,” said Brian Randow, Chief Operating Officer at Trans States Airlines. “In this competitive hiring environment, we must find ways to attract talented AMTs to our airline. A guaranteed job with a top airline like Frontier is a tremendous incentive to join our team, and it’s something that no other airline can offer.”

“As an industry, we must continue to find creative opportunities to meet current demand, but also ensure that the next generation of aviators is stronger and more robust than it is today,” added Matt Wright, Director of Maintenance at Trans States. “This program, in conjunction with the Trans States Apprentice program for aspiring AMTs, provides a clear and defined career path from high school to retirement, and will be instrumental in achieving those goals.”

“With the limited number of Aircraft Mechanics currently entering the field, this new program, the first in the industry, will allow us to hire experienced AMT’s through a more streamlined process. As we [Frontier Airlines] continue to grow and expand our network, there’s never been a better time to join Frontier, America’s fastest-growing and Greenest Airline,” said Trevor Stedke, Senior Vice President of Operations for Frontier Airlines.

Other recent Trans States initiatives to attract qualified AMTs include a new program targeted at military aircraft mechanics that funds the costs of civilian licensing requirements, as well as a signing bonus of up to $15,000. Hourly pay for Trans States AMTs is among the highest in the regional airline industry and includes up to $5,000 in annual retention benefits. Trans States was also the first regional airline to launch a paid apprentice program for aspiring AMTs.

Top Copyright Photo: Trans States Airlines Embraer ERJ 145LR (EMB-145LR) N844HK (msn 14500838) YYZ (TMK Photography). Image: 948219.

Trans States Airlines aircraft slide show:

Via Airlines announces a new round of expansion

Via Airlines has announced nonstop service to two new destinations from Memphis, Tenn., making Memphis International Airport (MEM) a key part of their ongoing expansion efforts throughout the mid-west and the northeastern U.S. The new destinations include nonstop service to Pittsburgh, Pa., and Austin, Texas, with the first flight taking off from Memphis June 25, 2019.

The new nonstop flights in and out of Memphis will operate four times each week on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays through the Memphis International Airport (MEM) on ViaAirlines’ 50-seat Embraer ERJ 145 jets.

Via Airlines also announced nonstop service from Raleigh, N.C. to Birmingham, Ala., making Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) a key part of their ongoing expansion efforts throughout the southeastern U.S. The first flight on this new nonstop route between Raleigh and Birmingham, Ala., takes off April 11, 2019.

The new nonstop flight in and out of Raleigh/Durham will operate four times each week on Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays through the Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) on Via Airlines’ 50-seat Embraer ERJ 145 jet.

Finally Via Airlines announced nonstop service to four new destinations from Pittsburgh, Pa., making Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) key to their ongoing expansion efforts throughout the northeast. The new destinations include nonstop service to Birmingham, Ala.; Memphis, Tenn. and Hartford, Conn., with through service to Austin, Texas, from Memphis. The first flight from Pittsburgh takes off in April with other routes flying in June and July of 2019.

Now serving a total of 19 cities across the U.S., these route announcements are part of the established carrier’s largest expansion to date. Three new focus cities were announced at the same time as Memphis and Pittsburgh, including Hartford, Conn., Birmingham, Ala. and Raleigh, N.C.

Top Copyright Photo: Via Air (Via Airlines) Embraer ERJ 145LR (EMB-145LR) N841HK (msn 145382) CLT (Jay Selman). Image: 403273.

Via Air aircraft slide show:

Route Map:

SkyWest, Inc. enters into an agreement to sell ExpressJet Airlines

SkyWest, Inc. today announced that it is has entered into definitive agreements to sell ExpressJet Airlines, Inc. to ManaAir, LLC, a company in which United Airlines owns a minority interest.

The transaction is expected to close in early 2019, subject to customary closing conditions.

Consideration for the transaction includes approximately $70 million in cash for the majority of the assets and the assumption of liabilities of ExpressJet, subject to a working capital adjustment. The ExpressJet assets excluded from the transaction will be utilized or liquidated by SkyWest. The expected realizable value to SkyWest of the remaining inventory is estimated to approximate the value of the working capital adjustment. SkyWest will retain ownership of the CRJ aircraft currently in service at ExpressJet.

The transaction also includes certain protections around existing SkyWest Airlines flying, as well as priority position to add 25 new dual-cabin aircraft with United should those opportunities arise.

As part of the transaction, SkyWest has also agreed to lease 20 CRJ200s to ExpressJet for up to five years.

ExpressJet Airlines, Inc. operates a fleet of Bombardier and Embraer regional jet aircraft to more than 110 destinations in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

ExpressJet has nearly 70 years of flying history and was formed through multiple airline mergers and transformations that occurred during that time. Today, ExpressJet is headquartered in Atlanta and operates as American Eagle and United Express.

Starting in early 2019, ExpressJet will begin flying exclusively as United Express, with flight operations centered out of Houston, Chicago, Cleveland and Newark. ExpressJet currently flies the Bombardier CRJ200, CRJ700 and Embraer ERJ145 for United Express.

ExpressJet Fact Sheet

Crew domiciles

Chicago (ORD); Cleveland (CLE); Dallas (DFW); Houston (IAH); Knoxville (TYS); Newark (EWR)

Maintenance bases (including line stations)

Baton Rouge, La. (BTR); Chicago (ORD); Cleveland (CLE); Houston (IAH); Knoxville, Tenn. (TYS); Newark, N.J. (EWR); Richmond, Va. (RIC)

Airports currently served

111 airports in 36 U.S. states, District of Columbia, Canada and Mexico

Employees

3,000 (active)

Average number of daily scheduled departures

System: 493

Mainline Partners

American Airlines (ExpressJet operating as American Eagle)
United Airlines (ExpressJet operating as United Express)

Passengers carried in 2017

15.5 million

Total revenue passenger miles flown in 2017

7.6 billion

Total aircraft in operating fleet

126 Bombardier and Embraer Jet Aircraft

Aircraft

(11) 65-passenger Bombardier CRJ700 regional jets
(10) 50-passenger Bombardier CRJ200 regional jets
(105) 50-passenger Embraer ERJ145 regional jets

Our Values

Our core values guide us as we work to achieve our vision:

Putting safety first in everything we do.
Treating people with dignity and respect.
Operating with honesty, integrity and transparency in everything we do.
Working smart with commitment to continuous self improvement.
Taking pride in making sure the job is done right.

Top Copyright Photo: United Express-ExpressJet Airlines Embraer ERJ 145LR (EMB-145LR) N13949 (msn 145057) DCA (Brian McDonough). Image: 906356.

United Express-ExpressJet aircraft slide show:

Route Map: Routes flown for United Airlines:

American to start Miami – Greenville/Spartanburg service

American Airlines will start American Eagle service connecting the Miami hub with Greenville/Spartanburg, SC. The route will commence on December 19, 2018 and will be by Envoy Air Embraer 145 regional jets according to Airline Route.

Copyright Photo: American Eagle (2nd)-Envoy Embraer ERJ 145LR (EMB-145LR) N644AE (msn 145204) MIA (Bruce Drum). Image: 104675.

American Eagle-Envoy Air aircraft slide show:

American to end its relationship with ExpressJet and Trans States in 2019

American Airlines Group will not renew its American Eagle contracts with both ExpressJet Airlines and Trans States Airlines when they expire in 2019 according to a report by Bloomberg. This will drop the number of American Eagle carriers to seven.

Trans States Airlines, which also flies for United Airlines, has been moving closer to Frontier Airlines. On April 18, 2018 it made this announcement:

Trans States Airlines pilots now have a direct pathway to the Frontier Airlines flight deck. An agreement inked by the two airlines guarantees participating Trans States pilots a First Officer position with the Denver-based Airbus operator after as little as two years of service with Trans States.

The agreement comes on the heels of a major order announcement by Frontier in November of 2017, in which it announced its intent to triple the airline’s fleet size over the next 10 years growing the airline’s order book to nearly 200 aircraft.

“Given Frontier’s considerable order book, imminent growth and financial stability, we believe that this new flow program will be immensely popular with our pilots,” remarked Trans States Chief Operating Officer, Fred Oxley. “A guaranteed pathway that allows for quick progression to a major carrier of Frontier’s caliber will be a huge asset to Trans States’ pilot recruiting efforts.”

“Additionally, judging by the popularity of our growing Denver crew base with our crews, we expect Frontier’s significant presence in Denver to be very attractive to our pilot group,” added Lee Stelzner, Chief Pilot at Trans States.

“With forecasted retirements, it’s no secret that the demand for highly qualified pilots will grow over the next several years,” says Frontier Chief Operating Officer Jim Nides. “This new partnership helps address our future pilot staffing needs while providing pilots entering the workforce a certainty for their careers.”

Current Trans States pilots with the requisite time in service will be eligible to apply for this program immediately, while new Trans States pilots may apply as soon as they have completed training.

Copyright Photo: American Eagle-Trans States Airlines Embraer ERJ 145LR (EMB-145LR) N618AE (msn 145097) JFK (Fred Freketic). Image: 930440.

American Eagle-Trans States aircraft slide show:

Route Map:

United to add Newark – Presque Isle service

United Airlines will add Newark – Presque Isle, ME service in July. Starting on July 1, 2018, ExpressJet Airlines will operate daily United Express service. The new route will be operated with Embraer ERJ 145 regional jets according to Airline Route.

Copyright Photo: United Express-ExpressJet Airlines Embraer ERJ 145LR (EMB-145LR) N13956 (msn 145078) IAD (Brian McDonough). Image: 908396.

United Express-Expressjet aircraft slide show:

Via Airlines adds new routes from Sanford and Little Rock

Via Airlines (ViaAir) has announced new nonstop jet service between Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) and Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport ( JAN) plus expanded service to Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT).

Service between Sanford and Jackson begins June 11, 2018, with flights available Sunday, Monday, Thursday and Friday each week.

The carrier will also launch service from Sanford to Mobile and Montgomery on May 14.

Via Airlines has also announced continued seasonal service between Branson Airport (BKG) and Austin, Texas (AUS).

Service between the two cities begins May 24, 2018, operating through September 3, 2018. Flights will be available Thursday, Saturday and Sunday each week with occasional (additional) service on Friday.

The airline will also add service from Austin to Oklahoma City on April 22, Little Rock on April 29 and Tulsa on May 6 per Airline Route.

All flights will be operated with Embraer ERJ 145 regional jets.

Copyright Photo: ViaAir (Via Airlines) Embraer ERJ 145LR (EMB-145LR) N841HK (msn 145382) CLT (Jay Selman). Image: 403273.

ViaAir aircraft slide show:

United is looking closely at ExpressJet Airlines

According to Reuters, United Continental Holdings, Inc. (United Airlines) is considering acquiring an ownership stake in ExpressJet Airlines in order to improve its supply of pilots. Negotiations are reportedly continuing with owner SkyWest. United does not own a regional carrier outright, unlike its competitors.

ExpressJet operates as an United Express carrier. However it also operates for American and is winding down its relationship with Delta.

Previously on August 9, 2017, ExpressJet Airlines, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SkyWest, Inc., announced the initiation of its defined long-term strategy:

Long-term agreement secured with United Airlines. As part of this plan, ExpressJet has secured a new, five-year extension of its United Airlines ERJ 145 contract, effective January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2022. The agreement enhances ExpressJet’s United partnership and provides long-term stability to its model. It also provides ExpressJet pilots with continued access to United’s Career Pathway Program. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
Early termination of Delta CPA. Additionally, ExpressJet and Delta Air Lines mutually agreed to initiate the wind-down of its remaining dual-class flying agreement under the Delta Connection brand, allowing ExpressJet opportunities to place aircraft with other partners. The agreement, which includes 28 CRJ900s and 33 CRJ700s, was previously scheduled to expire beginning in 2019. The aircraft financed by Delta, including all CRJ900s, will be returned to Delta beginning in fourth quarter 2017; ExpressJet expects to transition other aircraft previously operated under its Delta agreement to other major partners throughout 2018.
Agreement with American for eight additional CRJ700s. As part of this realignment, ExpressJet has secured an agreement with American Airlines to transition eight additional CRJ700s to its American Eagle operation. That transition is expected to take place during second quarter 2018.

Copyright Photo: United Express-ExpressJet Airlines Embraer ERJ 145LR (EMB-145LR) N36915 (msn 145421) LGA (Ken Petersen). Image: 924301.