SkyWest to sell ExpressJet to United Airlines venture

United Airlines jets are parked at gates at Chicago O'Hare International Airport in July 2018. A venture of United plans to buy ExpressJet Airlines, which operates some regional flights for United. — Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune
United Airlines jets are parked at gates at Chicago O’Hare International Airport in July 2018. A venture of United plans to buy ExpressJet Airlines, which operates some regional flights for United.

PUBLISHED: December 18, 2018 at 11:50 a.m. | UPDATED: December 18, 2018 at 4:56 p.m.

A venture of United Airlines plans to buy ExpressJet Airlines from SkyWest for $70 million in cash.

As part of the definitive agreement announced Tuesday, SkyWest will continue to own the Bombadier regional jets currently in service at ExpressJet and will lease 20 of of the CJR200 aircraft to ExpressJet for up to five years.

SkyWest and ExpressJet operate through partnerships with United and other carriers. Both regional carriers fly some flights under the United Express name.

SkyWest’s transaction with ManaAir, a company in which United Airlines has a minority interest, is expected to close in early 2019. The deal also includes ManaAir assuming ExpressJet’s liabilities.