SkyWest, Inc. has entered into definitive agreements to sell ExpressJet Airlines, Inc. to United Airlines joint venture ManaAir, LLC. The transaction is expected to close in early 2019, subject to customary closing conditions.
Consideration for the transaction includes approximately $70 million in cash for the majority of the assets and the assumption of liabilities of ExpressJet, subject to a working capital adjustment. The ExpressJet assets excluded from the transaction will be utilized or liquidated by SkyWest. The expected realizable value to SkyWest of the remaining inventory is estimated to approximate the value of the working capital adjustment. SkyWest will retain ownership of the CRJ aircraft currently in service at ExpressJet.
The transaction also includes certain protections around existing SkyWest Airlines flying, as well as priority position to add 25 new dual-cabin aircraft with United should those opportunities arise. As part of the transaction, SkyWest has also agreed to lease 20 CRJ200s to ExpressJet for up to five years.
“Today’s announcement provides further clarity and focus for the future,” said Chip Childs, SkyWest, Inc. President and Chief Executive Officer. “We want to thank the employees of ExpressJet for their valued contributions and we look forward to continuing to strengthen our partnership with United.”
Based in St. George, Utah, SkyWest, Inc. is the holding company for two scheduled passenger airline operations and an aircraft leasing company with more than 17,000 employees. SkyWest’s airline companies provide commercial air service in cities throughout North America with more than 2,500 daily flights carrying approximately 50 million passengers annually. SkyWest Airlines operates through partnerships with United Airlines (“United”), Delta Air Lines (“Delta”), American Airlines (“American”) and Alaska Airlines. ExpressJet Airlines operates through partnerships with United and American. This press release and additional information regarding SkyWest can be accessed at inc.skywest.com
