American Airlines drops 2 regional carriers as it streamlines

American Airlines Group is cutting ties with 2 regional affiliates as it seeks to simplify its short-distance operations. The carrier won’t renew contracts with ExpressJet and Trans States when they expire in 2019, according to a memo to reservations agents. Their flights will be shifted to other airlines and shouldn’t affect customers, the memo said. The move furthers American’s plan to streamline operations and create what the memo called a “seamless experience” for passengers on the mainline carrier and American Eagle, the brand used for flights by regional partners. Dropping ExpressJet and Trans States will pare the number of American’s such carriers to 7. The company had 10 regional partners at the start of the year and ended its contract with Air Wisconsin Airlines in February. <br/>