SkyWest Places Order for 60 New Embraer E175 Jets to Expand Regional Fleet
SkyWest, Inc., a leading regional airline operator in North America, has announced a significant expansion of its Embraer E175 fleet through a newly signed agreement with Delta Air Lines. Under the multi-year agreement, SkyWest will purchase and operate 16 brand-new Embraer E175 aircraft specifically for Delta, marking another milestone in the long-standing partnership between the two carriers.
The 16 new aircraft will replace a combined total of 16 existing CRJ aircraft currently operated under the Delta Connection brand—specifically, 11 CRJ900s and five CRJ700s. These CRJ models, though reliable workhorses for many years, represent an earlier generation of regional jets, while the E175 offers a more modern, comfortable, and efficient flying experience for passengers and airline operators alike.
The new E175s will be acquired directly from Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer and are scheduled for delivery beginning in 2027. According to SkyWest, the new additions are part of a broader strategy to modernize and harmonize its fleet in alignment with evolving industry standards and passenger expectations.
Beyond the immediate order, SkyWest has also secured firm delivery positions for an additional 44 E175 aircraft, with deliveries expected between 2028 and 2032. These aircraft will not be speculative purchases; instead, they are contingent upon SkyWest entering into new flying agreements with one or more of its major airline partners, which include United Airlines, American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and of course, Delta. This strategic approach allows SkyWest to retain flexibility in scaling its operations in response to future demand and partnership dynamics.
The announcement also includes purchase rights for 50 more E175 aircraft, creating the potential for a total of 110 aircraft additions over the next decade. This positioning reflects SkyWest’s confidence in the E175 as the flagship aircraft for the U.S. regional airline sector and underscores the company’s commitment to fleet renewal and expansion.
Strengthening a Long-Term Alliance with Delta
The new contract further deepens SkyWest’s partnership with Delta, one of the world’s largest and most influential carriers. Delta Connection, Delta’s regional brand, relies heavily on trusted operating partners like SkyWest to serve smaller markets and provide seamless connectivity to its global network. With the addition of these new E175s, SkyWest will be well positioned to continue offering best-in-class service to Delta passengers on regional routes.
Chip Childs, President and CEO of SkyWest, expressed enthusiasm about the deal, stating:
“We’re pleased to strengthen our Delta partnership and to continue to grow our E175 fleet. This aircraft order enables us to advance our long-term fleet strategy, enhance our dual-class footprint, and continue to lead the industry in delivering an exceptional product for Delta and each of our flying partners.”
This strategic alignment with Delta reflects a broader industry trend of phasing out older aircraft in favor of more modern, dual-class configurations that offer both economy and first-class cabins—a key demand from major airline partners seeking consistency and quality across their brand experience.
The E175: A Workhorse of Regional Aviation
The Embraer E175 has become a cornerstone of regional aviation in the U.S., valued for its combination of passenger comfort, fuel efficiency, and operational reliability. With a typical seating capacity of around 76 passengers, including both first-class and economy sections, the E175 fits perfectly into the scope of regional flying under the scope clause limitations in many major U.S. airline labor contracts.
The aircraft is also well-regarded for its quiet operation, advanced aerodynamics, and superior range for a regional jet, allowing it to service longer point-to-point routes between midsize markets that are not economically viable with larger mainline aircraft.
SkyWest already operates one of the largest fleets of E175s in the world, and this latest order will only reinforce its position as a leading E175 operator. For passengers, this means continued improvements in onboard experience on regional flights—offering Wi-Fi, larger overhead bins, and a smoother ride compared to older-generation aircraft.
A Flexible, Forward-Looking Fleet Strategy
The structure of this order—combining a firm commitment with contingent deliveries and optional future purchases—demonstrates SkyWest’s strategic approach to fleet planning. By securing firm delivery positions now, SkyWest ensures it will have access to aircraft at a time when supply chains remain constrained and global demand for new aircraft continues to rise. Yet by tying the bulk of the order to future contractual arrangements, the company avoids overcommitting in an uncertain economic environment.
This model of conditional scaling also gives SkyWest bargaining power and flexibility as it negotiates future flying agreements. With major airline partners increasingly consolidating and refining their regional networks, having a fleet of modern, dual-class regional jets ready for deployment makes SkyWest an attractive and agile partner.
The deal also aligns with industry-wide efforts to reduce carbon emissions. The Embraer E175 is more fuel-efficient than the CRJ700 and CRJ900 models it replaces, contributing to better per-seat environmental performance. Although regional jets are not yet widely electrified or hybridized, upgrading to newer aircraft can still contribute significantly to operational sustainability goals.
Market Context and Industry Implications
SkyWest’s announcement comes at a time when the regional airline industry is grappling with multiple headwinds, including a persistent pilot shortage, high operating costs, and increasing regulatory scrutiny. Yet, amid these challenges, SkyWest continues to distinguish itself through prudent financial management, strong relationships with legacy carriers, and forward-looking fleet investments.
The new E175 order positions SkyWest to emerge stronger in the years ahead, equipped with a younger and more standardized fleet that meets the expectations of both partners and passengers.
In a post-pandemic air travel landscape where reliability, comfort, and network connectivity are more critical than ever, regional operators play a pivotal role in maintaining the integrity of the broader aviation ecosystem. SkyWest’s continued investment in its fleet is a testament to its belief in the long-term viability and importance of regional air travel.
SkyWest’s agreement to purchase 60 new Embraer E175 aircraft—16 for Delta and 44 contingent upon future contracts—marks a bold step in the company’s fleet modernization journey. Combined with options for 50 additional E175s, this deal cements SkyWest’s status as a leading force in regional aviation and a critical partner to some of the biggest names in the airline industry.
As deliveries begin in 2027 and continue into the next decade, SkyWest is poised to shape the next era of regional flying—offering comfort, efficiency, and reliability to millions of passengers across North America.