This article from NYTimes.com has been sent to you by psa188@xxxxxxxxx /-------------------- advertisement -----------------------\ Explore more of Starbucks at Starbucks.com. http://www.starbucks.com/default.asp?ci=1015 \----------------------------------------------------------/ United Expands Its Ties to Mesa July 2, 2003 By BLOOMBERG NEWS United Airlines, the world's second-biggest carrier behind American Airlines, has hired Mesa Air Group Inc. to provide regional-jetliner flights under a 10-year agreement, expanding a partnership between the companies. Mesa, a regional airline based in Phoenix, will begin flying 35 jets for United Express in August, adding to the 10 turboprop aircraft it has been operating for the United, a unit of UAL Corporation. Mesa said it would fly 20 jets with 70 seats, and 15 jets with 50 seats and may eventually operate 25 more planes for United. A United spokesman, Jeff McAndrews, declined to provide financial terms of the arrangement. UAL, which filed for bankruptcy protection in December, has said it is seeking to lower commuter-carrier costs by $80 million annually by renegotiating contracts. The company, which is based in Chicago, also said it is open to offers from potential new partners. United renewed its association with Mesa in February. The new agreement will bring Mesa $250 million in annual revenue when all 35 of the jets are deployed at existing profit margins of about 8 percent, Mesa's chief executive, Jon Ornstein, told analysts. http://www.nytimes.com/2003/07/02/business/02UAL.html?ex=1058152614&ei=1&en=26c01028177e4b47 --------------------------------- Get Home Delivery of The New York Times Newspaper. Imagine reading The New York Times any time & anywhere you like! Leisurely catch up on events & expand your horizons. Enjoy now for 50% off Home Delivery! Click here: http://www.nytimes.com/ads/nytcirc/index.html HOW TO ADVERTISE --------------------------------- For information on advertising in e-mail newsletters or other creative advertising opportunities with The New York Times on the Web, please contact onlinesales@xxxxxxxxxxx or visit our online media kit at http://www.nytimes.com/adinfo For general information about NYTimes.com, write to help@xxxxxxxxxxxx Copyright 2003 The New York Times Company