The 350 pilots and other employees of St. Louis-based Trans States Airlines have been on the edge of their seats following announcements last year, such as the cancellation of the company’s order for 50 Mitsubishi regional jets because of scope-clause concerns, or that sister company Compass Airlines last year lost a major contract for flying with Delta Airlines. However, they were probably not prepared for Monday’s employee letter from Trans States Holding CEO Rick Leach. In that document, from February 24, obtained by Flying, Leach announced that Trans States Airlines flying “…will be concluded by the end of 2020.” Trans States Holding also operates Compass and GoJet Airlines.
Trans States Airlines Will Shut Down By The End Of 2020
Key Takeaways:
- Trans States Airlines will cease all flying operations by the end of 2020, according to an internal announcement from CEO Rick Leach.
- The closure is primarily due to razor-thin profit margins in the regional segment and a critical pilot shortage, especially for captains, which prevented the airline from fully utilizing its fleet.
- ExpressJet Airlines is expected to absorb Trans States' Embraer 145 fleet, while the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) is working to ensure an orderly transition and secure protections and potential incentives for Trans States pilots.
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