50 And 70 Seat Jets Ordered

Those cynics who wonder if the regional airline market is fairing better than the majors, may want to chat with SkyWest. Bombardier Aerospace announced Tuesday that SkyWest Airlines of St. George (UT) has placed a firm order for 10 50-seat Bombardier CRJ200 and two 70-seat Bombardier CRJ700 regional jets for its expanding United Express operation.

The contract value is estimated at $293 million U.S. ($389.8 million Cdn) and represents the conversion of 10 conditional CRJ200 orders and the exercise of two CRJ700 options. SkyWest's firm orders for the 50-seat Bombardier CRJ100/200 now total 110 aircraft, of which 100 have been delivered. With Tuesday's announcement, SkyWest -- the world's largest independently owned regional airline -- has placed firm orders for 32 70-passenger Bombardier CRJ700(i) regional jets, of which one has been delivered. The carrier retains options on 39 CRJ200 and 80 CRJ700 aircraft.

"SkyWest is pleased to be expanding the route networks of our major airline partners in medium and smaller markets with Bombardier regional jets," said Jerry C. Atkin, president and CEO, SkyWest.

"We are very proud of the significant role the Bombardier CRJ has played in SkyWest's success story," said Steven A. Ridolfi, president, Bombardier Regional Aircraft. "This order is further evidence that the regional jet segment continues to be the shining light of the airline industry. This is the fifth occasion following its initial order in 1993 where SkyWest has re-ordered the Bombardier CRJ," continued Mr. Ridolfi.

SkyWest Airlines operates as United Express for United Airlines, as Delta Connection for Delta Air Lines, and as Continental Express for Continental Airlines. It maintains hubs at Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland, Seattle/Tacoma, Denver, Chicago O'Hare, Salt Lake City, Dallas/Fort Worth and Houston. SkyWest serves 104 cities in 27 states and three Canadian provinces with 1,233 daily scheduled departures.

FMI:  www.aero.bombardier.com