Operator United Express takes the first step to add Embraer E175s to the delight of the community

There may soon be a new United Express operator flying the popular Embraer 175 regional jet.

CommuteAir, which operates flights for United Airlines outside of its hubs at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston (IAH), Denver International Airport (DEN) and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), has reveal plans for this week in a submit with the US Department of Transportation.

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The airline, formerly known as CommutAir, is currently the sole operator of the Embraer 145 for United Express. In 2020, United has terminated its flight contract with two other E145 operators: Trans States Airlines and ExpressJet. United is the 40% owner of the Ohio-based regional carrier.

For now, CommuteAir told DOT that it plans to add 76-seat jets in limited numbers. For now, it will be a single aircraft used for training and “limited charter service”. The filing also reveals that CommuteAir has been working with the Federal Aviation Administration since July to add larger Embraer jets to its operating certificate.

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The company said the DOT filing is a procedural step that allows the company to operate aircraft with more than 60 seats.

“We are excited about this opportunity to grow and modernize our fleet and look forward to partnering with DOT on our app,” CommuteAir CEO Rick Hoefling said in a statement.

In the context of United’s regional strategy, CommuteAir’s move was not unexpected.

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Last year, Chicago-based carrier announced United Next, an initiative that will help the airline largely phase out 50-seat jets like the CommuteAir type in operation. These types of aircraft are unpopular both with airlines – due to higher operating costs – and with passengers, because they are small and cramped (United’s CRJ-550 is an exception and there are plenty of amenities for passengers, but that’s largely due to the fact that the jet is 70 seats with 50 seats in it).

The Embraer 175 is a comfort zone jet that many passengers will likely appreciate if CommuteAir continues to operate these planes in scheduled service. In reality, it has some of the best domestic first class seats in the sky.

CommuteAir will join United Express Republic Airways, Mesa Airlines and SkyWest Airlines as the Embraer 175 operator.