SkyWest orders 22 Bombardier CRJ NextGen jets in $773 million deal

Bombardier Aerospace and SkyWest Inc have announced that SkyWest has placed a firm order for 18 CRJ700 NextGen and four CRJ900 NextGen regional jets. The transaction also includes 22 options, which SkyWest can apply to either aircraft.

This is the first order for CRJ NextGen aircraft by SkyWest, Inc, which through its SkyWest Airlines and Atlantic Southeast Airlines (ASA) subsidiaries already operates the world's largest CRJ fleet with 363 aircraft. The fleet currently includes 244 CRJ200, 102 CRJ700 and 17 CRJ900 regional jets.

Based on aircraft list prices, the value of the firm order is approximately $773 million.

The 18 CRJ700 NextGen aircraft, with 66 seats in a three-class configuration, will be operated under SkyWest's United Express banner, while the four CRJ900 NextGen jets, with 76 seats in a two-class arrangement, will be operated under SkyWest's Delta Connection banner.

SkyWest Airlines will fly all aircraft.

''We are very excited to have SkyWest become the twelfth customer to select the CRJ NextGen aircraft since the program was launched in May 2007,'' said Steven Ridolfi, president, Bombardier Regional Aircraft. ''This firm order will bring SkyWest Inc's CRJ fleet to an impressive 385 aircraft, a true reflection of our successful partnership.''

''This CRJ NextGen aircraft order builds on operational efficiencies and aircraft reliability that SkyWest has enjoyed for 15 years as a CRJ US launch customer,'' said Jerry C. Atkin, chairman and chief executive officer, SkyWest Inc. ''SkyWest looks forward to showcasing the NextGen aircraft's enhancements to its passengers and employees.''

Including the transaction announced today, Bombardier has recorded firm orders for 1,623 CRJ Series aircraft. As of October 31, 2007, 1,452 of these had been delivered to operators around the world.