SkyWest to Begin CRJ-550 Operations for United Express

SkyWest Airlines is working with United Airlines to offer regional flights on the Bombardier CRJ-550 aircraft. The St. George, Utah-based airline will reinforce United's regional brand known as "United Express".

SkyWest Going Mid-West

SkyWest Airlines and United Airlines have reached a new agreement that will expand the United Express fleet with additional CRJ-550 aircraft. The new agreement was announced as part of United's third-quarter earnings report Tuesday.

Starting in December, SkyWest will provide United with 11 more CRJ-550 aircraft, which each seats up to 50 passengers. These planes will be overhauled externally with United Express branding. The report states that there is potential for additional aircraft from SkyWest to join United's fleet in the future.

Cirium Diio already has data for when the first SkyWest flights under United will take place. Starting December 3, SkyWest will fly from United's Chicago O' Hare hub and fly to cities such as Milwaukee, Duluth, Fargo, Grand Rapids, Harrisburg, and Louisville.

A SkyWest spokesperson added that more details will be unveiled when SkyWest will share its third-quarter earnings report later this month. SkyWest currently operated other aircraft in United's fleet currently, such as the CRJ-200, CRJ-700, and the Embraer E175.

United currently has a contract with GoJet Airlines involving third-party flights from a total of 50 CRJ-550s. Having been signed in February 2019, the deal has only reached its halfway point, slated to expire in 2029.

In 2022, United acquired 18 CRJ-550s from Mesa Airlines for $50 million. The report states each aircraft was sold on an "as-is, where-is" basis, with 13 of the 18 aircraft being inactive at the time of the sale.

About The CRJ-550

The CRJ-550 is a modified version of the CRJ-700 assembled by Canadian plane manufacturer Bombardier. This aircraft has piqued the interest of United higher-ups for the potential to provide premium offerings for travelers looking to fly regionally. Each plane features a "premium cabin" featuring a walk-up bar, storage closets, and reclining seats. This cabin can seat up to 10 passengers at a time. The aircraft also features 20 economy and 20 "economy plus" seats.

Delta Air Lines is the other major airline that will soon receive CRJ-550s, having 19 of them on order with a few already have been delivered. These CRJ-550s will be used for Delta's own regional brand known as "Delta Connection". This announcement was made back in May of this year.