The US company Mesa Airlines has lost the wet lease order from American Airlines. At the same time, the company is in intensive talks with its competitor United.

American is ending its relationship with Mesa Airlines because the ACMI provider has run into financial difficulties. This is said to have had a negative impact on the stability of flight operations. Quoted from an internal circular signed by Chief Commercial Officer Derek Kerr, CNBC TV station said: "As a result, we have concerns about whether Mesa will be a reliable partner for American in the future. American and Mesa agree that the best way to address these concerns is to terminate our agreement."

Currently, six airlines – including Mesa Airlines – operate under the regional brand American Eagle on behalf of AA. According to information from Reuters, which refers to an internal circular from Mesa boss Jonathan Ornstein, those Bombardier CRJ-900s that are currently still on the road for American Airlines will in future fly as United Express for competitor United Airlines.

One is already in the air for this carrier with 80 Embraer 17. In the future, the 64 Bombardier CRJ-900s operated by Mesa Airlines will also fly for United. Among other things, American explains that the capacity will be bought elsewhere in the future.