Airlines American Airlines drops two regional carriers

In an internal letter, published by several aviation newspapers, American Airlines informed its statff that it will not renew its existing contracts with Expressjet and Trans States in 2019, when they will expire. All flights will be shifted to other partner airlines of American Airlines. It is being said, that passengers will not be affected by the changes.

Expressjet will move its operations to SkyWest Inc, a parent company of the carrier. SkyWest is flying for United Airlines. On the other hand, Trans State will move its domestic routes to Envoy Airlines.

The recent decision further supports American´s strategic plan to simplify its short-haul operation in the United States. In February, American Airlines had dropped Air Wisconsin Airlines. At the start of the year, American Airlines had contracts with 10 regional carriers. American Airlines said, that it will review, if further contracts with regional carriers expire.

After the drop of Expressjet and Trans States, American Airlines will still cooperate with seven such carriers. The regional airlines are flying under the American Eagle brand. American Airlines further aims to enable passengers a “seamless experience” between the mainline American Airlines and its regional provider American Eagle.

Last week, American Airlines announced, that it has ordered 15 Bombardier CRJ900 and 15 Embraer E175 aircraft for American Eagle.

American Airlines is the biggest airline in the world, with nearly 950 aircraft in its fleet. The carrier operates with Airbus A319, A320, A321, A330, Boeing B737 Next Gen., B757, B767, B777, B787, Embraer ERJ190 and McDonnell Douglas MD-82 and -83 aircraft. Its subsidiary American Eagle operates with nearly 200 aircraft, including Canadair CRJ200, CRJ700, CRJ900, as well as with Embraer ERJ135 and ERJ175.