United issued this statement following ACA's announcement that it would no longer serve as a United Express partner and would change to a low-fare carrier: "United's customers are not affected by Atlantic Coast Airlines' recent announcement and can continue to book confidently with United and United Express for any of their travel needs. Our current contract with ACA to provide United Express service remains in full force and effect. "United Express carriers provide our customers with the highest levels of service and on-time performance. Whichever carrier we choose to service our United Express routes currently operated by ACA will offer customers the same outstanding levels of service and dependability that United's other strong, profitable regional carriers already provide. "United's negotiating teams worked through the weekend to reach an agreement with ACA similar to the mutually beneficial agreements already reached with United Express partners SkyWest, Air Wisconsin, Mesa and Trans States. Before this morning's press release, we were under the impression that talks were moving in a positive direction and we are surprised by today's announcement. "While it is still possible that a deal can be reached, United has a contingency plan to continue providing the best service and on-time performance to United Express customers on our routes currently serviced by ACA."

Source: United Airlines, July 28