GoJet Airlines: A Fleet Review

Understanding GoJet Airlines

GoJet Airlines, a significant regional carrier within the United States, plays a crucial role in connecting passengers across various domestic routes. Headquartered in Bridgeton, Missouri, this airline operates as a vital feeder service for major carriers, primarily under the United Express brand. Its operations are integral to the broader network of United Airlines, facilitating travel from key hubs. While it previously operated under the Delta Connection brand, its focus has shifted, making its current operations with United Express a defining aspect of its identity.

The airline's commitment to connecting the world is more than just a slogan; it's the foundation of its operational strategy. By focusing on regional routes, GoJet ensures that passengers can reach destinations that might otherwise be underserved by larger, long-haul carriers. This strategic positioning allows for a more comprehensive air travel network, benefiting both business and leisure travellers.

A Brief History of GoJet Airlines

Established in late 2004 by Trans States Holdings, GoJet Airlines commenced its journey with a clear objective: to serve as a United Express carrier. Its inception was a direct response to the needs of United Airlines, aiming to fill the void left by departing carriers. The airline took delivery of its first Bombardier CRJ700 in June 2005, a significant step in building its operational capacity. By September 2005, GoJet received its Air Carrier Operating Certificate, and on October 4, 2005, it launched its first scheduled passenger service. This initial flight, a United Express service from Cincinnati to Chicago, marked the beginning of its extensive operational history.

The airline's growth continued steadily. By the close of 2009, GoJet had expanded its fleet to include 25 CRJ700 aircraft. A notable expansion occurred in January 2012 when GoJet began operating as a Delta Connection carrier. This expansion involved the transfer of CRJ700 aircraft from Delta's Comair division and those contracted to SkyWest Airlines. The collaboration with Delta Air Lines saw GoJet lease CRJ900 aircraft, further enhancing its fleet capabilities and service offerings until 2023. However, in August 2019, Delta announced the termination of operating agreements with several carriers, including GoJet Airlines. This led to the phasing out of GoJet-operated flights for Delta by mid-2020, a transition accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic also led to the closure of GoJet's sister airlines, Trans States Airlines and Compass Airlines, in April 2020. This period marked a significant shift in the regional airline landscape.

GoJet's Operational Network and Destinations

GoJet Airlines primarily operates as a feeder airline for United Airlines under the United Express brand. Its flights are strategically deployed out of United's major hubs, including Chicago–O'Hare, Newark, and Washington-Dulles. These operations are crucial for connecting passengers from smaller cities to these larger airports, from where they can access a wider range of domestic and international flights. The airline's network spans over 80 destinations across the United States, offering a comprehensive regional service.

The airline's system operations center (SOC), training facilities, and corporate offices are centrally located in Bridgeton, Missouri, utilising former facilities of Trans World Airlines and Ozark Airlines. For maintenance, GoJet leverages the former McDonnell Douglas factory hangar at Saint Louis Lambert International Airport, ensuring robust support for its fleet. Maintenance personnel are also stationed at various destinations to provide on-the-ground support.

Fleet Development and Specialization: The CRJ550

GoJet Airlines has made a notable strategic move in its fleet development by becoming the first regional carrier to operate the Bombardier CRJ550. This aircraft is a specialized conversion of the CRJ700, designed to meet the specific needs of regional operations and the scope clause agreements with pilot unions. Bombardier Aviation does not manufacture the CRJ550 as a new aircraft; instead, existing CRJ700 airframes are converted.

The conversion process involves a significant reconfiguration of the aircraft's cabin. Several economy seats are removed to accommodate larger storage cabinets, an enhanced service galley, and updated First Class and Economy Plus seating. The four new floor-level cabinets are a key feature, allowing passengers to store larger carry-on luggage within the cabin, often avoiding the need for checked baggage. The upgraded galley provides passengers in First Class with the convenience of self-service snacks and non-alcoholic beverages, especially beneficial during flights with a single flight attendant serving the main cabin. This galley includes a lighted glass cabinet for snacks, a refrigerator for chilled beverages, and ample storage for crew luggage.

The CRJ550 cabin configuration typically includes 10 First Class seats, 20 Economy Plus seats, and 20 Economy seats, totaling 50 seats. The entire cabin undergoes a refresh with new wall panels, carpeting, curtains, and signage, often in United's distinctive blue and white livery. A critical aspect of the CRJ550's operation is its adherence to the United Airlines "scope clause" agreement. This agreement limits the maximum takeoff weight of the CRJ550 to 65,000 pounds, 10,000 pounds less than the standard CRJ700. This weight restriction can sometimes impact the aircraft's ability to carry full passenger loads, particularly when flying into areas with adverse weather conditions requiring extra fuel.

GoJet's Fleet Composition

As of August 2025, GoJet Airlines operates a fleet primarily consisting of the Bombardier CRJ550. The fleet comprises 57 CRJ550 aircraft, with an additional 10 on order. These aircraft are equipped with General Electric CF34 engines, common across the CRJ700 series. All operational CRJ550s are conversions of the CRJ700, including both original and NextGen models.

While GoJet previously operated CRJ900 aircraft from 2014 to 2020 for Delta Air Lines, these were phased out as part of the termination of service agreements. The CRJ550 represents the current focus of GoJet's fleet strategy, with plans to increase the fleet size significantly through further conversions and aircraft transfers from other United Express carriers.

Fleet Development and Future Plans

The strategic decision to embrace the CRJ550 was solidified in February 2020 when United Airlines ordered an additional 20 CRJ550 aircraft for the GoJet fleet, with deliveries scheduled through 2021. These aircraft are intended to replace older CRJ700s operated by other United Express carriers. Once this transition is complete, GoJet's CRJ550 fleet is expected to reach a total of 74 aircraft, underscoring a significant commitment to this specialized aircraft type.

Fleet Exits and Transitions

The fleet composition is dynamic. In September 2024, the first aircraft, N558GJ, was removed from United Airlines registration and transferred to SkyWest Airlines. SkyWest is set to begin CRJ550 operations for United in December 2024, taking over at least eleven frames from GoJet. This indicates a planned transition and reallocation of assets within the United Express network.

Safety and Incidents

Safety is paramount in aviation, and GoJet Airlines, like all carriers, adheres to stringent safety protocols. While the airline has a generally strong safety record, like any operator, it has experienced minor incidents. One notable event occurred on February 12, 2025, when a United Express flight, operated by GoJet Airlines, slid off a taxiway while landing at St. Louis Lambert International Airport. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported among the 27 individuals on board, including the crew. The incident led to a temporary closure of Runway 11-29 before it was reopened.

Careers at GoJet Airlines

A career with GoJet Airlines is described as a "calling to connect our world." This ethos suggests an environment focused on the mission of air travel and its role in bridging distances. The airline provides opportunities for various roles within the aviation sector, including pilots, flight attendants, and maintenance personnel. These professionals are based at key locations, ensuring operational efficiency and comprehensive service delivery across the network.

Comparison: GoJet Airlines vs. Gojek

It is important to distinguish GoJet Airlines from Gojek. Gojek is a prominent ride-hailing and lifestyle super-app company, predominantly operating in Southeast Asia. It offers services such as ride-hailing, food delivery, and digital payments. For visitors from China, booking Gojek rides can be done seamlessly via the Gojek WeChat mini program, which supports Mandarin language and WeChat Pay, offering convenient payment options and promotional discounts. This is entirely separate from GoJet Airlines, a regional air carrier operating within the United States.

Here's a brief comparison:

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of aircraft does GoJet Airlines primarily operate?
GoJet Airlines primarily operates the Bombardier CRJ550, which are converted from CRJ700 airframes.

Which major airline does GoJet Airlines partner with?
GoJet Airlines operates as a regional carrier under the United Express brand for United Airlines.

Where is GoJet Airlines headquartered?
GoJet Airlines is headquartered in Bridgeton, Missouri, United States.

Did GoJet Airlines ever fly for Delta Air Lines?
Yes, GoJet Airlines operated as a Delta Connection carrier from 2012 until mid-2020.

What is the capacity of a GoJet CRJ550?
The CRJ550 typically seats 50 passengers, configured with 10 First Class, 20 Economy Plus, and 20 Economy seats.

What is the significance of the CRJ550's weight restriction?
The weight restriction is due to United Airlines' "scope clause" agreement with its pilots, limiting the CRJ550's maximum takeoff weight and potentially affecting passenger loads in certain conditions.

What are the main hubs for GoJet's United Express operations?
GoJet's United Express flights operate out of United's hubs at Chicago–O'Hare, Newark, and Washington-Dulles.

Is GoJet Airlines related to the Gojek app?
No, GoJet Airlines is a regional airline, entirely separate from Gojek, which is a ride-hailing and lifestyle app.

Conclusion

GoJet Airlines stands as a testament to the evolving landscape of regional air travel. Its strategic focus on the specialized CRJ550 aircraft, coupled with its vital role within the United Express network, highlights its importance in connecting communities across the United States. From its early beginnings to its current fleet developments and operational hubs, GoJet continues to contribute significantly to the aviation sector, ensuring that passengers have access to essential air travel services.

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