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12-13-2016, 03:39 PM

#5

wmupilot85

Gets Weekends Off

Joined APC: Dec 2006

Position: Reclined seat

Posts: 629

Quote:

Originally Posted by amcnd

So what have they put out internally about the 200 going away?? This represents 460~ pilots. Not good...

2017 Plans

2017 will continue our transition into a stronger, more stable and sustainable airline. There will be changes ahead of us, but also opportunities for success. In particular, today SkyWest, Inc. announced via a press release an upcoming change to the size of our CRJ fleet. Over the course of next year, we expect to transition to flying primarily dual-class aircraft in our CRJ operation and plan to start removing our CRJ200 aircraft as they come off contract with Delta, the majority of which come off in the second half of 2017.

The removal of CRJ200 aircraft will improve our operating efficiency, as well as shift us to a fleet that provides better economics and increased profitability. We will continue to actively pursue economically sound flying opportunities. As the industry consolidates and opportunities arise, we will be ready, willing and able to deliver for our partners when others cannot.

As Chip Childs, President and CEO of SkyWest, Inc. mentioned in the press release earlier today, “Streamlining ExpressJet’s CRJ operations reduces our risk profile and lowers future investment in the CRJ200 fleet that would have been required. These moves strategically position us to continue to deploy our capital against our best investment opportunities and are expected to help improve future liquidity and fleet flexibility.”

The removal of CRJ200s will not impact the ERJ fleet. I know many of you have questions about our ongoing United negotiations. As of now, we continue to push for a mutually beneficial agreement for both companies, as our current contract with United is not set up to be financially successful for ExpressJet in the long run. In order for us to be a profitable and sustainable airline for the long-term future, we require necessary flexibility and operating efficiency to succeed in a hyper-competitive environment. Especially crucial to our success is acquiring flexibility in both our flying and labor contracts. Despite the challenges, both United and ExpressJet share a strong desire for us to continue flying the United Express product beyond 2019.

The importance behind the changes we are making to our fleet structure cannot be understated. Restructuring our fleet will create new opportunities to increase productivity and efficiency throughout the network. Bigger is not always better, and we cannot become a successful and profitable airline without change. A smaller, but more stable, stronger, and profitable regional airline can and will provide opportunities in the long-term. 2018 particularly is anticipated to be a landmark year for ExpressJet’s financial health and commercial success. I, along with the entire ExpressJet leadership team and SkyWest, Inc. are in agreement that this is the path that will lead us to a successful and viable long-term future. With our talent pool, solid infrastructure and a significant workforce, ExpressJet remains a formidable player in the industry.

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