SkyWest Airlines has ordered 25 Bombardier CRJ 200LRs as a partial replacement for its turboprop fleet and to enable the Utah-based carrier to expand its regional services, including United Express codeshares, to the US West Coast and mountain areas. "Our plan is to use the first five aircraft to replace turboprops on five high load factors routes. Of the 20 remaining aircraft, most will go on new routes within our existing service area," says Ron Reber, SkyWest chief operating officer. The $560 million deal calls for the delivery of the first 50-seat jet in June 2000. In addition, SkyWest has taken options on a further 25 CRJ 200s. The airline already operates CRJ 100ERs and Embraer EMB-120s.
Source: Flight International
