GoJet Airlines, a new unit of the privately held Trans States Holdings, won final certification last week from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), clearing the way for the carrier to begin operations.

Operating as United Express, the St. Louis-based operator of the Bombardier [BBD] CRJ 700 will make its inaugural flight in the first week of October. It will begin operations with a fleet of three CRJ 700s. The carrier expects to have 10 airplanes in service by the end of the year. GoJet will be flying routes out of United's Denver and Chicago hubs.

The carrier had obtained the necessary regulatory approval from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) in July (RAN, Aug. 1). GoJet began the certification application process on Dec. 1, 2004.

Trans States formed GoJet as a separate carrier under its corporate umbrella to get around scope clause restrictions in it code-share partnership with American Airlines [AMR]. The pact prohibits Trans States from flying any RJ seating more than 50 for any other carrier. Trans States has been flying ERJ 145s for United.