Updated with comments from Mesa
Utah-based SkyWest Airlines will take delivery of the first Embraer 175 enhanced aircraft during the week of 24 March.
The aircraft benefits from fuel burn that is 6.4% lower than the existing E175 model and will be the only version offered by the Brazilian airframer until the E175 E2 enters service in 2020. It includes a new winglet and aerodynamic clamps.
SkyWest confirms that its first E175, which will operate under contract for United Airlines, will be the enhanced variant and Embraer confirms that the first enhanced aircraft is going to United.
The aircraft is the first of 40 that SkyWest has on firm order for United with 24 deliveries scheduled in 2014, SkyWest Inc president Brad Rich said in February.
The E175 enhanced will enter service on the Chicago O’Hare-Washington National route on 17 May.
Chicago-based United has a firm order for 30 more E175 enhanced aircraft, with operator Mesa Airlines due to begin taking delivery of the aircraft during the week of 31 March.
Phoenix-based Mesa says that its second E175 delivery will be its first of the enhanced variant. The regional carrier's first aircraft will be modified with the new winglets in July, it adds.
Indianapolis-based Republic Airlines is scheduled to take delivery of 24 E175s on behalf of American Airlines in 2014, according to the mainline carrier’s 28 January fleet plan. The regional carrier was not immediately available to comment on when it would take its first enhanced variant.
Source: Cirium Dashboard
