Embraer finally discloses one of its second-quarter customer identity: Skywest, Inc. The U.S. company signed a firm order for seven new E175 jets. The aircraft will have a 70-seat configuration. Embraer will deliver the E175s from late 2019 to mid-2020. “Since 2013, SkyWest has purchased more than a hundred and sixty E175s, including these seven, in order to expand their large fleet of Embraer aircraft,” said Charlie Hillis, Vice President, Sales & Marketing, North America, Embraer Commercial Aviation.

These are not the only aircraft to join SkyWest fleet. The U.S. holding company will operate both seven new E175 and six further used aircraft of the type on behalf of Delta. Indeed, SkyWest, Inc.’s subsidiary — SkyWest Airlines — is part of a code-sharing agreement with the Delta Air Lines. The six aircraft are are part of a multi-year contract scheduled to begin in early 2020. They are financed by the major U.S. airline and to be sourced from a regional operator transitioning out of Delta Connection. Under Delta’s initiative to reduce the number of Delta Connection operators, SkyWest anticipates becoming one of just three carriers under the Delta Connection portfolio and Delta’s primary regional operator in several western U.S cities by mid-2020, including Los Angeles, Salt Lake City and Seattle.

Commenting on the agreements, Chip Childs, Chief Executive Officer and President of SkyWest, said “We are pleased to further strengthen our Delta partnership with the addition of these dual-class aircraft. We believe the placement of these aircraft in Western hubs will help us continue to enhance our overall efficiency and product.” He adds, outlining the relationship between Embraer and SkyWest: “Having a longtime partner like Embraer, who understands us and our business, has allowed us to enhance our fleet mix and ensure efficiency and agility in our network. The E175 continues to perform very well and is an important part of our growing fleet.” 

Note that SkyWest cancelled its previously announced order for three new E175 aircraft scheduled for service with Alaska Airlines in 2021.