United Airlines completed a series of moves last month that signaled not only its intention to embark on a large-scale expansion of its regional network, but perhaps a willingness to play “hard ball” with its long-time United Express affiliate, Sterling, Va.-based Atlantic Coast Airlines. At press time finalizing contractually guaranteed rate adjustments with its bankrupt mainline partner, ACA last month watched United sign an MOU with Mesa Air Group for regional jet feed and a new code-share deal with St. Louis-based Trans States Airlines.
ACA became the last of the established United Express affiliates to reach terms on a contract amendment when SkyWest Airlines and Air Wisconsin recently agreed to MOUs on new rate structures and regional jet flying. The deal with SkyWest calls for the St. George, Utah-based carrier to add 30 seventy-seat regional jets by 2005 and increase its United Express 50-seat CRJ jet fleet from 37 to 55 by the end of this year. Air Wisconsin’s deal will allow it to convert a conditional order for 20 CRJs to firm status and expand its scope of operation to Washington, D.C.
