NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – PEOPLExpress Airlines, Inc., the start-up airline currently based in Newport News, Va., has acquired XTRA Airways. PEOPLExpress and TEM Enterprises, operator of XTRA Airways, announced the agreement today.

Based in Boise, Idaho, XTRA Airways is certificated by the FAA to conduct Flag, Domestic, and Supplemental operations with Boeing 737 aircraft. The agreement gives PEOPLExpress the immediate ability to operate aircraft under the FAA certificate issued to XTRA.

“The purchase of XTRA Airways fits well into the PEOPLExpress long term business model,” said Mike Morisi, president of PEOPLExpress. “Their talented team of airline industry specialists has maintained excellent relationships with the FAA, its customers, and industry leaders for more than 25 years.”

PEOPLExpress plans to maintain and develop the XTRA Airways brand along with their own. “At this time it makes perfect sense to continue the XTRA brand for our charter service model,” Morisi said.

XTRA Airways was established in 1987, and is authorized to operate in the United States, Caribbean, Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, and more. Its charter customers include sports teams, government agencies, foreign dignitaries, press corps, casinos, and other organizations.