Oregon Public Broadcasting

Spokane, Boise, Seattle, Portland, and Eugene all lose direct flights to southern California after Labor Day.  This after ExpressJet Airlines announced it will cease service.  Correspondent Tom Banse reports. 

ExpressJet will stop flying routes under its own brand and also cancel flights flown under the Delta Connection name.

The carrier says the soaring cost of fuel and falling demand for travel left it no other choice.

Spokane Airport spokesman Todd Woodard says the airline had a “great customer following” and he’s sad to see them go.

Todd Woodard: “You kind of see the handwriting on the wall. I think just the economic times had a dramatic effect.  But they were a very well run airline. It wasn’t for lack of experience.”

Woodard says with oil costing more than $130 a barrel, it’s very difficult to fly regional jets profitably. 

Horizon Air is also parking Bombardier regional jets. 

Passengers booked on ExpressJet after September first should call the airline to rebook on another carrier or ask for a refund.

Online:

ExpressJet Airlines