Media Q&A

Why is Delta and ExpressJet ending their agreement?
Delta and ExpressJet have made this mutual decision because it benefits two airlines with a common goal to reduce operating expenses related to the sharp increase in fuel cost.

How long has ExpressJet operated as a Delta Connection carrier?
ExpressJet began operations as a Delta Connection carrier in June 2007.

How many and what type of aircraft does ExpressJet fly for Delta?
ExpressJet flies 23 145-ERJ, 50-seat aircraft.

How many daily flights and destinations does ExpressJet currently fly for Delta? How many will Delta Connection partners fly after Sept. 1?
ExpressJet flies 100 daily flights to approximately 30 destinations. After Sept. 1, Delta Connection will fly approximately 2500 daily flights to over 230 destinations.

What new routes reductions are included with this announcement?
All routes either originate or terminate in Los Angeles including: Boise, Idaho; Denver, Colorado; Eugene, Oregon; Spokane, Washington; Oakland, California; Portland, Oregon; Phoenix, Arizona; Reno Nevada; Seattle Washington; San Francisco, California; San Jose, California; Sacramento, California and Tulsa, Oklahoma. Total # Departures 31.5 day per day

Are there any current ExpressJet markets being backfilled?
Yes. While the ExpressJet routes originating in Los Angeles are being cancelled, flights originating from Salt Lake City will be replaced with 50-seat regional jets operated by other Delta Connection carriers.

Will there be any interruption in service for flights scheduled to continue beyond Sept. 1?
No. Any service flown by ExpressJet that is scheduled to continue beyond Sept. 1 will be operated by another Delta Connection carrier.

How will customers be impacted by this decision?
We expect minimal impact to customers and, Delta will work to ensure that alternate transportation options are arranged as quickly as possible.

Does this have anything to do with the NWA merger, or the pending Freedom and Pinnacle contract termination announcements?
No. This mutual decision has been made because it benefits two airlines with a common goal to reduce operating expenses related to the sharp increase in fuel cost.

What is Delta’s current situation with Mesa (Freedom) and Pinnacle?
Mesa – We disagree with the court’s decision and have filed an appeal.
Pinnacle - We have notified them of our election to terminate the Delta Connection contract. We’re in discussions to see whether the situation can be resolved through mutual agreement.

Are the ExpressJet changes part of the recently announced 13 percent domestic decrease and 60-70 regional jet reduction?
Yes. But because we have not announced the specific changes in the LAX and SLC markets we will not break them out at this time.

Will any Delta employees’ jobs be impacted by this announcement?
There will be no involuntary reductions in headcount as a result of this announcement. We will continue to review our staffing needs for our operations and allow reductions through normal attrition.