Skywest

SkyWest Flight 5971, operating as United Express from Aspen, Colorado, to Houston, diverted to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport on Thursday evening.

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.

The carrier said Friday that Embraer jets will replace the Bombardier CRJ-700 on nonstop Delta Connection flights from Atlanta and Los Angeles to Aspen.

The FAA’s oversight of regional carrier SkyWest is falling short of the agency’s own standards, according to a report from the Transportation Department.

In addition to this confirmed order, SkyWest secured slots with Embraer for 44 additional E175 aircraft, with expected delivery dates between 2028 and 2032.

SkyWest has obtained 29 CRJ-900 airframes from another regional carrier. The deal was announced during the airline’s first-quarter earnings call on Thursday.

More CRJ-550 aircraft are set to join United’s regional fleet, SkyWest leadership shared during its earnings call on Thursday.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, more unique Essential Air Service proposals have been submitted by a wider variety of airlines.

Regional carrier SkyWest plans to add a new aircraft type to its American Eagle operation starting this summer from Dallas/Fort Worth and Phoenix.

SkyWest Charter continues to push for final Department of Transportation approval despite ongoing pushback from labor groups.