[PHXFlyer]

ExpressJet Responds to DOT Review of Extended Tarmac Delay on Flight 2816:

HOUSTON, Aug 21, 2009 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- ExpressJet is pleased with the announcement made by Department of Transportation's Secretary, Ray LaHood, today stating the ExpressJet crew was not at fault and in fact, they repeatedly tried to gain permission to deplane the passengers at the airport.
To view the multimedia assets associated with this release, please click http://news.prnewswire.com/viewrelease.aspx?STORY=MTI3
ExpressJet and Continental have a long standing relationship of cooperation with the Department of Transportation (DOT) on passenger rights. ExpressJet was one of the few regional airlines that voluntarily participated in the DOT's task force on developing contingency plans during extended tarmac delays.
Through knowledge gained by participating in the DOT task force, both ExpressJet and Continental adopted an extended tarmac delay program. As the timeline and digital voice recordings accompanying this release prove, both companies know the program and attempted to follow it. The digital voice recordings and timeline will also be available by visiting the press section of www.expressjet.com.
"Safety of flight must be the top priority for any aviation company. I commend our crew and dispatch personnel for remaining committed to this standard," said ExpressJet President and Chief Executive Officer, Jim Ream.
"However, customer service and comfort is also imperative, and I'm pleased that the DOT findings support ExpressJet's belief that our crew made exhaustive efforts to help customers through this weather event," added Ream....

Link to flight 2816 digital voice recordings and timeline of events.