United explores investing in regional airline ExpressJet

United Continental is exploring a deal to invest in regional airline ExpressJet to boost its pipeline of pilots and expand service in the eastern and Midwestern US, people familiar with the matter said. The carrier is looking at acquiring an ownership stake in ExpressJet among other options in negotiations that are still developing, said the people. There’s no guarantee the discussions will lead to a deal with ExpressJet, an unprofitable subsidiary of SkyWest that already flies for United. The tie-up would help United beef up the domestic network that feeds travellers to other flights, as the carrier works to close a profit gap with Delta Air Lines and American Airlines. United has been adding dozens of flights between smaller cities and its largest airports, trips that can be more lucrative than the heavily-trafficked routes between big hubs. <br/>