United Airlines have announced a partnership with ExpressJet, allowing ExpressJet to operate 22 aircraft under the United Express brand.

UAL Corporation (NASDAQ: UAUA), the holding company whose primary subsidiary is United Airlines, today announced that ExpressJet Airlines, a wholly owned subsidiary of ExpressJet Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: XJT) will operate 22 ERJ-145 aircraft under the United Express brand.

This new flying, which will begin on May 1, 2010, will replace flying previously done by other United Express partner carriers whose contracts have expired and is consistent with the 2010 capacity outlook United provided in its third quarter earnings conference call.

“We have worked with ExpressJet previously for short-term flying contracts, and they provided our customers with exceptional service,” said Cindy Szadokierski – vice president Airport Operations Planning and United Express. “ExpressJet offered us the most competitive bid, enabling us to continue to operate efficiently in this difficult environment.”

”We are pleased that our commitment to exceptional operational performance coupled with a highly competitive economic model provided ExpressJet the opportunity to offer replacement flying for United Airlines under a multi-year arrangement,” said Jim Ream – president and chief executive officer of ExpressJet.  “This award represents a tremendous opportunity for our company and I know ExpressJet employees are excited to deliver the very best service to United’s customers.”