United Airlines today announced that Chautauqua
Airlines, Republic Airlines and Shuttle America have joined United
Express. Under a new agreement, United has authorized Republic to fly
sixteen seventy-seat regional jets under the United Express livery.
Chautauqua will operate sixteen fifty- seat regional jets for United
Express and Shuttle America will fly ten Saab 340 turbo prop aircraft.
“These agreements will help us continue to meet the demands of our
customers with competitive fares and a full schedule of flights to large
and small communities across the country - and the world,” said Doug
Hacker, executive vice president - Strategy. “We are pleased to add these
partners that are committed to providing outstanding customer service to
the United Express family.”

The thirty-two regional jets and ten turbo props described in the
agreements will serve United’s Washington Dulles and Chicago O’Hare hubs
as well as a number of other smaller markets throughout the country. The
agreements with Chautauqua and Republic expire in 2014, while the contract
with Shuttle America runs through 2005 and includes a renewal option. The
companies will begin operating United Express flights later this year.

“United shares our goals of operational excellence and our strong
dedication to customer service,” said Bryan Bedford, chairman and chief
executive officer of Republic Airways Holdings Inc. “We are excited to
become a part of United’s global network through our contribution to
United Express, and we look forward to building a strong, long-term
relationship with United.”

Chautauqua is celebrating thirty years of service and was recently named
2004 Regional Airline of the Year by Air Transport World. The company has
also been awarded the FAA’s prestigious Diamond Award for excellence in
maintenance and training for each of the past twelve years. Chautauqua and
Republic Airlines are wholly owned subsidiaries of Republic Airways
Holdings Inc., an airline holding company based in Indianapolis, Indiana.
The holding company is owned by investment funds that are managed by
Wexford Capital LLC. Wexford also owns Shuttle America.

Other United Express partners include Skywest Airlines, Trans States
Airlines, Air Wisconsin Airlines, Atlantic Coast Airlines and Mesa Air
Group.
——-