ExpressJet Responds to DOT Review of Extended Tarmac Delay on Flight 2816

HOUSTON, Aug. 21  /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- ExpressJet is pleased with the announcement made by Department of Transportation's Secretary, Ray LaHood, today stating the ExpressJet crew was not at fault and in fact, they repeatedly tried to gain permission to deplane the passengers at the airport.

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ExpressJet and Continental have a long standing relationship of cooperation with the Department of Transportation (DOT) on passenger rights.  ExpressJet was one of the few regional airlines that voluntarily participated in the DOT's task force on developing contingency plans during extended tarmac delays.

Through knowledge gained by participating in the DOT task force, both ExpressJet and Continental adopted an extended tarmac delay program.  As the timeline and digital voice recordings accompanying this release prove, both companies know the program and attempted to follow it.  The digital voice recordings and timeline will also be available by visiting the press section of http://www.expressjet.com/.

"Safety of flight must be the top priority for any aviation company.  I commend our crew and dispatch personnel for remaining committed to this standard," said ExpressJet President and Chief Executive Officer, Jim Ream.

"However, customer service and comfort is also imperative, and I'm pleased that the DOT findings support ExpressJet's belief that our crew made exhaustive efforts to help customers through this weather event," added Ream.

Flight 2816 departed Houston (IAH) at 9:23 PM Central bound for Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota.  While enroute, severe weather developed in the Twin Cities region.  The flight held for approximately 30 minutes trying to land in Minneapolis but the severe weather continued so a decision was made to divert to Rochester, MN.  The flight landed safely at 12:28 AM Central in Rochester, MN.  The sole discretion to deplane an aircraft rests with the pilot in command.  ExpressJet's Captain began inquiring about options for deplaning customers almost immediately after landing and these requests were repeated throughout the night; unfortunately, the Captain's requests for terminal access were denied by ground handling agents.

ExpressJet and Continental completed an exhaustive review of the events that transpired after landing in Rochester, MN with the Department of Transportation to determine the cause of the extended tarmac delay.  The evidence gathered during the review showed:

  --  Safety of flight was the priority.  Despite enormous pressure to take
      off in severe, weather conditions, the ExpressJet crew and dispatcher
      never compromised the safety of flight.
  --  Both airlines continuously tried to deplane customers, but were
      denied.  During the approximate 5 hour and 52 minute delay, over 30
      recorded phone calls were made trying to resolve the situation but
      despite these continued efforts the customers and crew were denied
      access.

  --  The ExpressJet crew remained with the aircraft.  They provided
      beverages, pillows, blankets and air conditioning during the entire
      duration of the delay.  They also kept the flight deck door open so
      customers could approach with any questions while they diligently
      worked to operate the flight or deplane customers.



"We realize that despite these efforts that the situation was unacceptable to customers on board and we are sorry that they had to endure this situation," said Ream.

However, ExpressJet believes that this event highlights an important point in extended delay programs - it takes cooperation of airlines, airports, ground handling agents and government agencies - to deplane customers in a timely manner.  Everyone must know the standard and work together to follow it.

ExpressJet and Continental are committed to being a part of the solution and have already taken steps to address the lessons learned during this event.

Corporate Background

ExpressJet Holdings operates several divisions designed to leverage the management experience, efficiencies and economies of scale present in its subsidiaries, including ExpressJet Airlines, Inc. and ExpressJet Services, LLC.  ExpressJet Airlines serves 128 scheduled destinations in North America and the Caribbean with approximately 1,160 departures per day.  Operations include a capacity purchase agreement for Continental; providing clients customized 41-seat and 50-seat charter options (http://www.expressjet.com/charter); and supplying third-party aviation and ground handling services.  For more information, visit http://www.expressjet.com/. 

http://news.prnewswire.com/viewrelease.aspx?STORY=MTI3DATASOURCE: ExpressJet Holdings, Inc.



CONTACT:  Kristy Nicholas, Corporate Communications of ExpressJet,

[phone], toll free, 1-877-958-NEWS, 



Web Site:  http://www.expressjet.com/ 

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