Memphis, TN 1985-2002

Express Airlines I was established with the intent of offering regional airline passenger feed to a code sharing, major airline's hub. Express I began its first code sharing agreement with Republic Airlines in May 1985 and it was established using BAe Jetstream 31 aircraft. After Republic and Northwest Airlines merged in 1986, Northwest Airlines elected to make changes in the structure of Express I. On April 1, 1997, Express I became a wholly owned subsidiary of Northwest Airlines. In August 1997, Express I moved its corporate headquarters to Memphis. On 7 May 1999, Express Airlines I became the launch operator of the Bombardier Canadair Regional Jet (CRJ) and operated as Northwest Jet Airlink. Delivery of the CRJs began in April 2000. Express I changed its name to Pinnacle Airlines on May 8, 2002. Pinnacle now operates as Delta Connection due to the merger of Northwest and Delta.