Mesa Reports $20 Million Loss, Drops CRJ Fleet

Mesa Air Group — the parent company of Mesa Airlines — reported a net loss of $19.9 million for the fiscal third quarter of 2024. The regional carrier exclusively operates Embraer E175 and CRJ-900 jets on behalf of United.

On Wednesday, the Phoenix-based company said its United Express contract revenues were up 8% year over year, reporting a total operating revenue of $110.8 million.

According to Cirium Fleet Analyzer data, Mesa currently operates 56 E175s and 15 CRJ-900s within the United Express network. The carrier has been selling off some of its CRJs, removing six more from its fleet in June.

During the same month, Mesa announced it would furlough 12 pilots and defer training for 41 more due to a “significant and unexpected reduction in pilot attrition levels.” The carrier shared on Wednesday that it has begun recalling these pilots “in anticipation of improved aircraft utilization,” CEO Jonathan Ornstein said.

Transition to All-Embraer

In its earnings release, Mesa said it will transition to an all-Embraer fleet, removing the CRJ-900s from United’s network. This move, the airline said, was “at United’s request” and is slated to take effect by March 1, 2025.

United will reimburse Mesa for costs up to $14 million associated with the transition. In addition, United agreed to purchase two leased CRJ-700s for $11 million.

“While we are not yet providing a forecast for fiscal year 2025, our focus continues to be on increasing utilization and maintaining overall operational performance,” added Ornstein in the release. “As we transition into flying all E-175s, we will look to drive additional efficiencies from operating a single fleet type. We will also continue to consider longer-term financial and strategic opportunities to enhance the business.”

Mesa’s CRJ-900s previously flew under the American Eagle banner, but the two airlines terminated their agreement in April 2023 following a 30-year partnership. The carrier also ended a capacity agreement with DHL in May 2024.

A Mesa CRJ 900 in the American Eagle livery. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

During an early 2024 earnings call, fellow regional operator SkyWest shared that it would receive 20 more United-owned E175s. The carrier’s commercial chief, Wade Steel, said these jets would come from another United Express carrier but did not provide any details.

Cirium fleet data shows that these aircraft are likely coming from Mesa. At the time of writing, all 20 aircraft have transitioned into the SkyWest fleet.

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Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.

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