SkyWest Orders 110 Embraer E175 Aircraft

SkyWest Commits to Expanding Embraer E175 Fleet with Major Order

SkyWest Airlines has announced a substantial expansion of its Embraer E175 fleet, placing a firm order for 16 aircraft to support its regional operations under contract with Delta Air Lines. Alongside this, the airline has secured 44 additional delivery positions and 50 purchase rights for the same aircraft model, potentially increasing the total order to 110 jets. Deliveries of the firm-ordered 16 E175s are slated to commence in 2027, replacing eleven CRJ900s and five CRJ700s currently deployed on the Delta contract.

The 44 additional delivery slots are scheduled for potential fulfillment between 2028 and 2032. SkyWest has indicated its intention to take delivery of these aircraft, contingent upon reaching new flying agreements with one of its major airline partners. This strategic move highlights the airline’s commitment to modernizing and expanding its regional fleet, a development that will likely shape its operational and financial planning over the next decade.

Fleet Composition and Industry Context

As of now, SkyWest operates a diverse fleet of 574 aircraft, including 263 Embraer E175s, 132 CRJ200s, 26 CRJ550s, 105 CRJ700s, and 48 CRJ900s, according to ch-aviation data. The majority of these aircraft are owned directly by SkyWest, with a smaller portion leased or owned by partner airlines such as Delta and United, for whom SkyWest provides regional services. The airline operates flights on behalf of Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines under their respective brands.

This significant order comes amid ongoing challenges in the aviation industry, particularly supply chain disruptions that have persisted since the Covid-19 pandemic. These factors may affect the timely delivery of new aircraft as manufacturers like Embraer work to recover and increase production capacity. The order also intensifies competition among aircraft manufacturers, with Embraer aiming to bolster its market position against major rivals such as Airbus and Boeing. This development follows recent large aircraft orders from carriers including ANA Holdings and Riyadh Air, signaling potential shifts in fleet strategies and pricing dynamics across the sector.

SkyWest’s investment in the E175 fleet is poised to influence broader market trends, particularly in regional aviation, where fleet renewal and competitive positioning remain critical considerations for airlines and manufacturers alike.