Delta to terminate Compass and GoJet partnerships amid regional operation shuffle

Delta is overhauling its Delta Connection regional operation, ending partnerships with GoJet Airlines and Compass Airlines as a means to improve operational efficiency. The change will leave Delta-owned subsidiary Endeavor Air and regional powerhouses SkyWest Airlines and Republic Airways as Delta's only feeder carriers, the company said. "In an effort to reduce operational complexity and create better consistency with the overall product and experience for customers, Delta is reducing the number of regional carriers from five to three," Delta said. "This strategic move allows Delta to simplify the Delta Connection network, while maintaining the airline’s network footprint, as the three remaining carriers… will focus on specific regions of the US," Delta added. Delta announced the change in an internal employee memo. The company confirms to FlightGlobal that the changes will be completed in about 11 months. At the end of June, Compass operated 36 Embraer 175s under Delta's regional umbrella, while GoJet operated 27 aircraft, including 20 CRJ700s and seven CRJ900s, according to Delta's first quarter financial filing. Delta said its plan calls for "reallocating" those aircraft to its three remaining partners. How those aircraft will be divvied remains uncertain, though Endeavor announced on 6 August plans to operate 13 Bombardier CRJ700s "previously operated by another Delta Connection carrier."<br/>