Expressjet’s(Stock Ticker: XJT) move to start its own service is a rather controversial one. The question so many people are asking is if they will go the way of Independence Air. Independence Air had operated as a regional carrier for various airlines until United withdrew its contract and the airline went independent.
Independence was unique in that its fleet consisted of fifty-seater regional jets(although they did get a few Airbus 319s). Expressjet will now attempt to go it alone…and sell seats themselves. They are trying a somewhat different approach. Independence was based out of its hub at Washington-Dulles, and all flights went to/from there. Expressjet has identified several focus cities…but is not putting all its eggs in one basket(especially not a basket that has the hub of a major carrier like United) and all the routes they will operate have no competition. Independence faced competition on pretty much every route they flew.
United did try a focus city at San Antonio…and tried many of the routes Expressjet is trying. However, they pulled the service after a few months. Also…without the distribution network and brand-name recognition of a major airline…despite good service(which we hope they will have), they could fail to sell the seats.
They are still seeking regional contracts, charters, and other options to utilize their planes. But, either way…what they are up to is risky. But they are aware of the mistakes of the past and will not repeat them. They may make new mistakes though. We will have more information as we find out about their offerings and fare structure.