More SkyWest-operated CRJ-550 routes are joining Delta’s network. Starting next month, the newly introduced aircraft type is scheduled to operate flights from Delta’s Minneapolis/St. Paul hub.
Schedule data from Cirium Diio shows the aircraft scheduled on two routes from Minneapolis. SkyWest’s CRJ-550 already operates scheduled flights from Salt Lake City.
Beginning on Sept. 1, 2024, the aircraft is scheduled to serve International Falls and Bemidji, Minn., both of which are subsidized under the Essential Air Service (EAS) program. These flights are currently only scheduled through the end of September.
From Salt Lake City, SkyWest’s CRJ-550s serve Butte, Mont., Casper, Wyo., Cedar City, Utah, Elko, Nev., and West Yellowstone, Mont. The type is slated to operate nearly 700 scheduled flights in September, according to the schedule data.
SkyWest first detailed plans to operate the CRJ-550 under the Delta Connection brand earlier this year. The aircraft is a modified version of the CRJ-700 with only 50 seats, including 10 in first class and 40 in economy.
In July, the regional carrier began operating the CRJ-550 fleet, which is being converted from an expiring CRJ-700 contract with American. SkyWest expects to convert most of the 19 aircraft by the end of 2024, the company said during a recent earnings call.
According to planespotters.net data, SkyWest currently has two Delta Connection CRJ-550s in service, registered as N708EV and N738SK. Two more are currently undergoing the conversion process.
