ExpressJet (XJT)

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Mexican Transport Ministry Lifts Suspension On ExpressJet


DOW JONES NEWSWIRES

MEXICO CITY (Dow Jones)--Houston-based airline ExpressJet (XJT), which provides service in Mexico to Continental Express and Delta Connection, has been given the green light by authorities to continue operating in Mexican airspace, the Communications and Transport Ministry, or SCT, said Thursday.

The SCT said Wednesday in a press release that it had suspended the operations of ExpressJet and Mexican low-cost carrier Aerocalifornia for not paying fees for using Mexican airspace.

The airlines were given a 24-hour grace period, starting Wednesday, to pay the fees, or else the suspensions would take effect.

The ministry said Thursday that ExpressJet was cleared to continue flying after the airline paid 52.5 million pesos ($5.2 million), including monthly fees dating back to 2006 and penalties for late payment.

Aerocalifornia, on the other hand, had its operations suspended starting at 2:00 p.m. local time (1900 GMT), for not paying MXN259.6 million in fees dating back to 2005, the ministry said.

The SCT urged other airlines to offer extra flights so Aerocalifornia's passengers aren't affected by the suspension.

An Aerocalifornia official who wasn't authorized to speak on the record said the company is addressing the issue and expects to resume flying "in a very short time."