CommuteAir to Close Lincoln Maintenance Base, Laying Off 100 Workers Less Than Two Years After Opening

CommuteAir to Close Lincoln Maintenance Base, Resulting in 100 Job Losses

CommuteAir has announced the closure of its maintenance facility at Lincoln Airport, Nebraska, leading to the elimination of approximately 100 jobs. The shutdown, scheduled for July 18, comes less than two years after the regional airline inaugurated the base to support its operations for United Airlines’ Denver hub. This move highlights ongoing restructuring within the regional airline industry as carriers adjust to evolving operational demands and broader market trends.

Background and Impact of the Closure

The Lincoln maintenance base was established in the summer of 2023, coinciding with CommuteAir’s launch of regional flights to Denver under the United Express brand. The airline made significant investments in the facility, including a 50 percent workforce expansion last year when Lincoln became a hub for more extensive maintenance operations. The decision to close the base has therefore surprised many, as there had been no prior indication that the facility was intended as a temporary operation.

CommuteAir attributed the closure to “operational challenges and business needs.” Jason Kadah, Managing Director of Communications, emphasized the company’s commitment to its employees affected by the decision. He stated that the approximately 100 impacted workers would have the opportunity to remain employed for the next 60 days and receive priority consideration for vacancies at other CommuteAir bases. The airline will terminate its hangar lease and return the facility to Lincoln Airport upon closure. Kadah expressed gratitude to the Lincoln community and airport for their support, underscoring that the decision was made with considerable deliberation.

While the closure will not disrupt Lincoln Airport’s commercial flight schedule, it is expected to have a significant economic impact on the local community, particularly for maintenance workers and their families. The loss of 100 jobs is likely to reverberate through the local economy. Reports indicate that another regional carrier is preparing to expand operations in Lincoln, potentially mitigating some of the economic fallout.

CommuteAir’s Position and Industry Context

CommuteAir operates exclusively as a United Express partner, connecting smaller cities to United Airlines’ major hubs. Unlike other regional carriers that serve multiple airlines, CommuteAir’s sole partnership with United was recently reaffirmed through a contract extension for several more years. The airline has also opened a new headquarters in Ohio, signaling ongoing growth and a sustained close relationship with United.

The closure of the Lincoln maintenance base reflects a broader trend of restructuring within the regional airline sector, as companies seek to optimize operations amid shifting market conditions. For Lincoln, the immediate impact is significant, but the airport’s commercial schedule remains stable, and the prospect of new operators entering the market offers some potential for economic recovery.