Regional airlines play a vital role connecting smaller airports to larger airline hubs. The “big three” reply on regional operators to fly routes and aircraft on their behalf to smaller destinations that would not be viable for their mainline aircraft. United Airlines is no exception with regional operators flying aircraft for them out of key hubs like Houston, Newark and Chicago. Regional operator SkyWest, Inc. (NASDAQ: SKYW) will take on 19 factory fresh Embraer E175 regional jets beginning Q4 2024.
A Growing Regional Fleet
SkyWest provides regional jet operations for American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines. The operator also provides Essential Air Service (EAS) contracts and charter operations through their subsidiary SkyWest Charters (SWC). Under a Capacity Purchase Agreement (CPA) the 19 new E175 aircraft from Embraer will exclusively operate on behalf of United Airlines. This will bring United to a total of 90 E175s in the United Express fleet operated by SkyWest. Other North American operators are increasing their order books for the popular regional jet. Wholly owned American Airlines subsidiary Envoy Air has also placed orders with Embraer for 11 E175 regional jets. The E175s larger cousin, the E195E2 has seen orders from Canadian carrier Porter Airlines. Be on the lookout for the spacious three class E175 regional jets when booking a ticket on United Airlines website.