Regional Airline Announces Interline Agreement to Improve Connectivity

Regional Airline Announces Interline Agreement to Improve Connectivity

Strategic Partnership Will Increase Access to 82 Additional Destinations and Streamline Passenger Experience Across Networks

COLUMBUS, Ohio, December 1, 2025 – Apex Connect Regional Airline, a leading Midwest regional carrier, today announced a comprehensive interline agreement with United Airlines that will significantly expand connectivity options for passengers traveling through regional airports across Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky. The partnership, effective January 15, 2026, enables seamless ticketing, baggage transfer, and coordinated schedules between the two carriers’ networks.

The agreement connects Apex Connect’s 18 regional destinations with United’s global hub system, allowing passengers to purchase single-ticket itineraries that combine flights on both Regional Airlines. Travelers originating in smaller markets such as Dayton, Springfield, and Evansville will gain one-stop access to United’s international gateways in Chicago, Denver, and Newark without the complexity of separate bookings or baggage rechecking.

“This partnership directly addresses the connectivity challenges facing regional communities in the post-pandemic travel landscape,” said Apex Connect President and CEO Sarah Chen. “By integrating our networks, we’re removing friction points for passengers while strengthening the economic viability of routes that serve as lifelines for business and leisure travel in underserved markets.”

Research from the Air Line Pilots Association indicates that regional airlines operate 31 percent of scheduled passenger departures in the United States while serving 94 percent of airports with commercial service. The agreement leverages this critical infrastructure by enabling Apex Connect to feed traffic into United’s high-frequency hub operations, a model that industry studies show can increase regional carrier traffic by up to 40 percent through improved network access.

The partnership includes reciprocal baggage handling protocols, integrated reservation systems, and coordinated customer service procedures during irregular operations. Apex Connect passengers will also benefit from extended check-in times at United hub airports and access to United’s rebooking systems during disruptions.

Market analysis demonstrates that interline agreements generate substantial value for regional carriers and their communities. According to the Regional Airline Association’s 2024 annual report, 63 percent of U.S. airports rely exclusively on regional airlines for commercial service, making network partnerships essential for connecting rural and small metropolitan areas to the national air transportation system. The report notes that states like Indiana and Ohio depend on regional carriers for 50-70 percent of their total air service.

The agreement comes as regional airlines navigate operational headwinds while experiencing modest recovery growth. Industry data shows regional carriers increased scheduled departures by 11.6 percent in 2025 compared to 2024, though capacity remains approximately 11 percent below pre-pandemic levels. Strategic partnerships with major carriers have become increasingly vital as network Regional airlines bring more flying in-house and regional operators seek sustainable business models.

“Apex Connect has built its reputation on safety, reliability, and community-focused service,” Chen added. “This interline agreement amplifies those values by connecting our passengers to global opportunities while maintaining the personalized experience that defines regional aviation. We’re particularly pleased that this partnership includes robust support for irregular operations, ensuring our customers receive seamless assistance throughout their journey.”

The financial structure aligns with industry standards for interline agreements, with revenue sharing based on mileage and market-specific factors. Apex Connect projects the partnership will increase passenger traffic on its core routes by 15-20 percent within the first year, supporting aircraft utilization improvements and enabling potential network expansion to additional communities currently lacking direct hub connectivity.

Implementation will begin with system integration testing in mid-December, followed by employee training across both carriers. The airlines will conduct joint marketing campaigns in the first quarter of 2026 to educate travelers in regional markets about the expanded connectivity options.

About Apex Connect Regional Airline

Apex Connect Regional Airline, founded in 2008, operates a fleet of 28 Embraer E175 and De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft serving 18 destinations across the Midwest. The carrier specializes in connecting secondary cities to major airline hubs, operating approximately 140 daily flights from bases in Columbus, Indianapolis, and Louisville. Apex Connect maintains the highest safety standards with IOSA certification and has received Regional Airline Association recognition for operational excellence in three of the past four years. The Regional Airline employs 650 aviation professionals and is committed to sustainable operations, utilizing fuel-efficient aircraft and participating in carbon offset programs.

Media Contact

Sarha Al-Mansoori
Director of Corporate Communications
G42
Email: media@g42.ai
Phone: +971 2555 0100
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