The regional carriers operate United-branded flights, following schedules set by the airline, while United manages pricing, revenue, and loyalty programs for passengers.

San Juan Airlines of Seattle and SouthCentral Air of Anchorage, Alaska, also operated as United Express from 1987 through 1989.

In 1992 Mesa created a new division called California Pacific Airlines to begin new United Express service from the Los Angeles hub.

Great Lakes left the United Express system in early 2002, although it continued to do codeshare flights until they ceased operations in 2018.

In 2004, ACA canceled its contract and attempted to reinvent itself as low-cost carrier called Independence Air, but ceased operations only 18 months later.

[6] Expanding the traditional regional partner role, United started to use the airplanes configured with explus amenities instead of, or alongside with, mainline jets on routes linking large cities, such as Chicago to Houston.

Silver Airways was also a Continental Connection carrier that converted to United Express using turbo prop aircraft.

The eight-year capacity purchase agreement included all 28 aircraft previously operated by Colgan as well as four currently flown by Republic for Frontier Airlines.

[15] On July 30, 2020, it was announced that United Airlines had decided to end its contract with ExpressJet and transferred these operations to CommuteAir.

[16][17] In August 2022, Air Wisconsin announced that it would again be leaving the United Express brand and transferring exclusively to American Eagle.

[18] United has also selected SpaceX's Starlink as its in-flight internet connectivity provider for mainline and two-class regional aircraft in September 2024.

This high-speed satellite internet service will enable live streaming, cloud-based work applications, and gaming, with complimentary access provided to all passengers.

[20] The United Express brand, through its various regional and commuter airline partners, operated a variety of twin turboprop aircraft over the years including the following types.