ExpressJet Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:  XJT), parent company of regional and charter airline operator, ExpressJet Airlines, Inc., today reported traffic and capacity results for December 2009 and announced its expected fleet allocation for 2010.

Scheduled Flying

During the month, ExpressJet revenue passenger miles (RPM) totaled 692 million, and available seat miles (ASM) flown were 873 million. ExpressJet’s December load factor, operating as Continental Express, was 79.3%. The company flew 57,465 block hours and operated 29,975 departures during the month as Continental Express. During the month, ExpressJet transitioned four aircraft from its Continental Express flying to begin preparing for the multi-year agreement that begins with United Airlines in May 2010.

Corporate Aviation

ExpressJet flew 2,336 block hours during the month in its Corporate Aviation (charter) division, including 1,639 block hours flown under a short-term arrangement with United Airlines that began December 1. During the month, ExpressJet’s fleet within the Corporate Aviation division consisted of eight 41-seat aircraft and 22 50-seat aircraft.

2010 Fleet Allocation

As previously announced, ExpressJet will operate 22 ERJ-145 aircraft under the United Express brand beginning in May 2010. Prior to May 1, 2010, ExpressJet will operate up to 22 aircraft under a short-term arrangement for United to assist with the transition of flying from their previous partner. The arrangement began with three aircraft on December 1, and is scheduled to increase to 22 aircraft by March 2010. With the addition of this flying, ExpressJet expects its 2010 fleet to equal 244 aircraft allocated as follows:

  * 206 aircraft flying as Continental Express;
  * 22 aircraft flying as United Express, increasing to 32 aircraft from May to October 2010; and
  * 16 aircraft operating within the charter division, decreasing to six aircraft from May to October 2010.

The eight aircraft being transitioned from Continental Express are being subleased by ExpressJet.