SkyWest to operate new Delta CRJ900s

Utah-based SkyWest Airlines will operate the 20 Bombardier CRJ900s that Delta ordered in June. The aircraft, which will be configured with 70 seats, will replace 20 Bombardier CRJ700s that the regional carrier operates for Delta, SkyWest says in a Q2 financial filing. The CRJ900s are due from later this year through 2020, and SkyWest will operate them under a nine-year contract. SkyWest already operated 27 CRJ700s and 36 CRJ900s for the Atlanta-based mainline carrier at the end of June, the filing shows. Delta ordered the additional CRJ900s to replace either CRJ700s or Embraer 170s. The aircraft will feature Bombardier's new Atmosphere cabin. In addition to the Delta deal, SkyWest during the second quarter extended contracts with American Airlines to operate 20 CRJ700s and with United to operate 19 CRJ700s. The regional airline operated 54 CRJ700s for American and 20 of the type for United at the end of June, the filing shows. SkyWest took delivery of 18 Embraer 175s during Q2. <br/>