A United Express Embraer ERJ145 operated by ExpressJet Airlines. Austin Deppe/Shutterstock.com American regional carrier ExpressJet Airlines ceased operations on September 30 after decades of flying. United Airlines had opted not to renew a contract with the airline, crippling its flying business despite having a reputation for being a reliable carrier. Thousands of employees were laid off as a result and America lost one of its largest airlines. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. Major US regional carrier ExpressJet Airlines ceased operations on September 30, the eve of aviation's day of reckoning as federal relief funding through the CARES Act unceremoniously expired.