Effective September 2, 2008, ExpressJet will cease its intrastate air service to Long Beach, Ontario, and San Diego through Fresno Yosemite International Airport. The airline announced that it will discontinue its branded (XE) commercial passenger services due primarily to rising fuel prices which have made the operations impossible to sustain.

Since its launch in April 2007, ExpressJet provided direct air service to Ontario and San Diego. Shortly thereafter, additional service to Long Beach was added. ExpressJet provided a quality service and was regarded as a popular air service option for passengers traveling to southern California.

FYI Aviation Director, Russ Widmar stated, “Although we are disappointed with this announcement, it does not come as a surprise. We understand that this is purely a business decision during these turbulent economic times.”

FYI continues to support and maintain air service by sustaining airline operating costs and providing new airline incentive opportunities. Additionally, the installation of Common Use Technology Equipment (CUTE) will afford new and existing air service providers the flexibility they require to operate at FYI at a moments notice at no cost to them.

ExpressJet customers holding tickets for a flight after September 1, 2008 should contact ExpressJet Reservations at 888-958-9538 to request a refund.

Nine carriers currently offer Valley passengers nearly 48 daily non-stop departures from Fresno. FYI is a municipally owned entity operating as a self-supporting enterprise. No City of Fresno general funds are used to operate Fresno Yosemite International or Fresno Chandler Executive Airport.

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