Dear FlyerTalk friends,

As some of you may be aware, as part of the integration process, synergies are being realized in many areas of the operation. One of these is the consolidation of all above-wing (customer services and operational control) responsibilities, including United Express flights, with United mainline staff in San Francisco, effective tomorrow, April 1st. The current United Express ground handler in SFO, SkyWest, will continue to provide below-wing (ramp-related duties) support for United Express flights.

With this change, my job will be eliminated after I board and pushback my last flight this evening. It has been my pleasure to serve our guests at the United Express gates for the past nine and a half years. Having previously been an active employee poster on FlyerTalk (although I admit I've been quiet the past couple years), I have enjoyed helping by providing United Express-specific advice and insight to better prepare you for your journey. For those I have met and developed personal friendships with, I look forward to continuing them.

Although the service standards are the same, I have been working over the past couple weeks helping to train United mainline staff in the many differences between handling mainline aircraft and United Express aircraft, from weight restrictions to seating requirements. I thank you for your understanding in advance as the new staff work quickly to understand and adjust to these changes, and hope that the transition will be as seamless as possible, for you, our valued customers and guests.

If you're around SFO this evening, feel free to stop by the UAX gates and say hi, if you like. Although my future plans are as yet unclear, I know my genuine passion for the commercial aviation industry will always remain.

Best Regards,
Kai

(Mods: If this is more appropriately placed elsewhere, please kindly do so. Thanks!)