ExpressJet Airlines Donates Assets to Assist U.S. Veterans Returning From Iraq, Afghanistan

HOUSTON, Sept. 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- When skyrocketing fuel costs forced ExpressJet Airlines to suspend branded commercial passenger flights and its Delta Air Lines service, the airline found a silver lining in assets that were not cost effective to recover or reuse. Thanks to organizations that help U.S. military veterans coming home from Iraq and Afghanistan, ExpressJet's departure left a charitable benefit behind.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080221/NYFNSN01LOGO)

"With the volume of returning service men and women, we in the private sector have to step up and help provide the additional care people need," said Dr. James Dunn, President of Lamp Stand Institute, one of the non-profit organizations that received donated equipment and furniture from ExpressJet. Lamp Stand Institute is part of 108 sister organizations providing assistance to returning veterans.

"The generous donation of furniture and other items from ExpressJet's operations throughout the country will go a long way to assist Lamp Stand Institute and its sister agencies provide medical, job-placement and housing services to veterans," Dunn said.

In addition to the Lamp Stand Institute in Texas and Colorado, ExpressJet donations benefited more than a dozen organizations that support returning veterans in the communities ExpressJet served.

"On behalf of everyone at ExpressJet Airlines, I would like to express our gratitude to the communities that were always supportive of our branded service," said Jim Ream, President and Chief Executive Officer. "We also have the deepest respect for those who serve our country in the military. Our people are grateful that, even in the midst of challenging times, we could find an opportunity to assist veterans, and to give back to the communities that welcomed us."

ExpressJet will continue to answer questions for customers via its main reservations number, 888-958-XJET (9538).

ExpressJet Airlines will continue flying a fleet of 205 aircraft as Continental Express to more than 150 destinations, as well as continue to serve charter customers with a fleet of 30 aircraft through ExpressJet Corporate Aviation.

ExpressJet Holdings (NYSE: XJT) 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 operations include capacity purchase for mainline carriers and providing clients customized 50-seat charter options. ExpressJet Services is the North American partner to three major European original equipment manufacturers and provides composite, sheet metal, interior and thrust reverser repairs throughout five facilities in the United States. For more information, visit http://www.expressjet.com.