_
IAD-based CRJ crews,
In 2010, we announced a new partnership with United Airlines that included a five-year contract to fly 14 of our CRJ200 aircraft under the United Express program. Throughout the past four years, our IAD-based CRJ crew members and Maintenance team have worked hard to build and support a solid operation at our IAD domicile, demonstrating their dedication to our airline, our customers and our major partner.
As United continuously works to optimize its network to best serve its overall operation and its customers, it has decided not to extend the contract for the 14 CRJ200s currently based in IAD. The leases on the aircraft are set to expire in the first quarter of next year. The aircraft will phase out of the operation gradually, beginning this September. We anticipate the reduction of our United CRJ flying to coincide with our projected attrition, and all CRJ crew members currently assigned to IAD will be able to bid for other CRJ domiciles. Transfer opportunities will also be available for Maintenance team members.
Again, this decision is an operational one and in no way reflects the determination, dedication and hard work of our IAD-based CRJ crew members and Maintenance team. We realize you will have many questions regarding this transition, and as plans become clearer, we will communicate them to you as quickly as possible. In the meantime, please see the below FAQ and direct any additional questions to your local base leadership.
Q1: Why is the CRJ IAD base closing?
A1: As United works to optimize its network, it has decided not to renew the contract that expires in the first quarter of 2015 for the 14 CRJ200 aircraft currently based in IAD. As a result, ExpressJet will no longer have a CRJ United Express operation.
Q2: When will the CRJ IAD base close?
A2: The aircraft will phase out of the operation gradually, with the first CRJ200 anticipated to be removed from the IAD operation in early September 2014 and the last aircraft expected to exit in March 2015. Once a schedule has been finalized, it will be shared with all CRJ IAD crew members and the CRJ Maintenance team.
Q3: How many people will be impacted by this change?
A3: A total of 178 CRJ pilots, 86 CRJ flight attendants and 14 CRJ Maintenance team members are currently staffed at IAD.
Q4: Are there vacancies at other CRJ domiciles and Maintenance locations?
A4: Yes. Based on anticipated attrition rates, there will be openings throughout the system, and all CRJ crew members currently assigned to IAD will be able to bid for other CRJ domiciles. The Maintenance leadership team will provide a list of openings throughout the system available for bid once more details are known.
Q5: How soon can I transfer?
A5: Once we know the final schedule of the aircraft removals, we can finalize transition plans for our IAD-based CRJ crew members and Maintenance team members.