The Mesa Air Group plans to standardise its US Airways Express feeder operations around the Embraer RJ-145 following finalisation of a long-awaited deal for up to 100 of the Brazilian-built regional jets.
The Phoenix-based carrier has ordered 36 of the 50-seat ERJ-145s with options on 64 more, which can be converted to 37-seat ERJ-135s. The aircraft will replace 15 Bombardier Canadair Regional Jet (CRJ) Series 200s serving US Airways. These will be transferred to Mesa's America West Express operation, joining 17 jets and 12 de Havilland Dash 8-200s.
"The CRJ-200s will go to the West Coast and the new ERJ-145s will stay on the East Coast. America West could also operate ERJs and replace the Dash 8s, which could move to the east," says Jonathan Ornstein, Mesa chairman and president.
America West has no pilot scope clause restrictions on the number of CRJ-200s it can operate, unlike US Airways, which limits Mesa to 28 jets. The airline is pressuring its pilots to amend the agreement, which Mesa hopes would allow it to place all its ERJ-145s.
"Our agreement is for 28 jets, but over time that number will go up. Our last aircraft on order won't be delivered for two and half years and I doubt the US Airways situation will remain stagnant for that long," says Ornstein. The carrier is also discussing other partnerships.
Mesa has had an order in place with Embraer since last year, but has just concluded a financing agreement allowing it to take delivery of the first aircraft this month. Rolls-Royce, supplier of the aircraft's AE3007 turbofans, is providing lease financing leveraged over 15 years.
Embraer's ability to offer early delivery positions was critical in Mesa's decision.
• Embraer says that Brazil has modified its Proex subsidies to comply with the World Trade Organisation. Its action is thought to involve cutting interest rate equalisation from 3.2% to 2.8%. WTO approval is required.
Source: Flight International
