More CRJ-550s are set to join United’s regional fleet, SkyWest leadership shared during its earnings call on Thursday. Last year, the regional carrier announced a deal to operate 40 CRJ-550s on behalf of the airline.
SkyWest’s chief commercial officer, Wade Steel, said United exercised an option this month to add 10 more CRJ-550s, for a total of 50.
“We continue to see strong demand for our dual-class flying and look forward to continuing to deploy additional CRJ550s for our partners,” SkyWest CEO Chip Childs added on the call.
A Dozen in Service
Steel said the regional airline has 12 CRJ-550s in service for United. The carrier operates the 50-seat jet under the Delta Connection and United Express brands.
The airline expects to fly 30 CRJ-550s by the end of 2025, and 20 more will enter service in 2026.
“We are excited about our continued strong partnership with United,” Steel continued. 39 of the 50 CRJ-550s planned for United will be modified from existing CRJ-700s.
The CRJ-550 is a modified CRJ-700 with only 50 seats, including 10 in first class and 40 in economy. GoJet debuted the CRJ-550 for United in 2019, with around 45 now in active service.
In addition to more first-class seats, the jets feature other premium features, including a snack bar and luggage storage closets.
