SkyWest is growing its CRJ-550 portfolio with another mainline partner. The airline will begin operating the 50-seat aircraft on behalf of United.
The new agreement was announced as part of United’s third-quarter earnings release on Tuesday. Initially, SkyWest will operate 11 United Express-branded CRJ-550s.
Earlier this year, SkyWest said it would begin operating the regional aircraft under the Delta Connection brand, which has since expanded to include service from three Delta hubs. The CRJ-550 is a modified CRJ-700 with only 50 seats.
The CRJ-550 fleet currently flies within United’s network but is operated by GoJet, the type’s exclusive carrier for roughly five years. United and GoJet debuted the CRJ-550 in February 2019 as a more premium alternative to typical regional jets.
With nearly 40 in service, the aircraft feature 10 first class seats, 20 Economy Plus seats, and 20 in economy. In addition, the jet boasts a snack bar and a large closet for additional luggage storage.
SkyWest is slated to begin operating a handful of CRJ-550s for United later this year with an “opportunity for more in the future,” the airline said in its release. According to Cirium Diio schedule data, SkyWest will start operating the aircraft on Dec. 3 from United’s Chicago O’Hare hub.
A spokesperson from SkyWest confirmed the United Express CRJ-550 flights, adding that more details will be available when the regional carrier releases third-quarter earnings later this month. SkyWest also operates CRJ-200s, CRJ-700s, and Embraer E175s on behalf of United.
Editor’s Note: This story was updated on Oct. 15, 2024 at 10:58 p.m. ET to include route data and a statement from SkyWest.
