SkyWest reports quarterly income of $3.2 million, will remove 66 CRJ200s from the Delta contract
SkyWest, Inc. (SkyWest Airlines) (St. George) today reported net income of $3.2 million, or $0.06 per diluted share, for the quarter ended March 31, 2013, compared to a net loss of $(0.7) million, or $(0.01) per diluted share, for the same period last year.
Quarter Highlights
SkyWest’s financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2013 were slightly improved compared to the financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2012. SkyWest generated a 2.8 percent increase in block hours which resulted in additional revenues of approximately $10.5 million; however, overall revenues decreased by a total of $117.7 million as a result of lower reimbursement payments of $99.7 million for fuel and $19.7 million for engine overhaul expenses, under its contracts with SkyWest’s major partners. The majority of fuel is now purchased directly by SkyWest’s major partners and as a result, SkyWest reports lower operating revenues and expenses. SkyWest’s financial results were also negatively impacted during the quarter ended March 31, 2013 by severe weather which resulted in approximately 1,900 cancelled flights and 4,500 fewer block hours at an estimated impact of $4.5 million (pretax).
Following are some selected highlights for the quarter ended March 31, 2013 compared to the same period last year:
| (Unaudited)
Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts |
Three Months Ended
March 31, |
||
| 2013 | 2012 | % Change | |
| Total operating revenue | $ 803.5 | $ 921.2 | (12.8)% |
| Total operating margin | 1.9% | 2.2% | (0.3)pts |
| Pretax income (loss) | $ 5.4 | $ (1.2) | NM |
| Net income (loss) | $ 3.2 | $ (0.7) | NM |
| Fully diluted earnings per share | $ 0.06 | $ (0.01) | NM |
| Block hours | 571,991 | 556,421 | 2.8% |
Commenting on the results, Jerry C. Atkin, SkyWest’s Chairman and CEO, said “We had planned to achieve improved financial results for the quarter just ended over the same period last year, however our results were negatively impacted primarily by weather and other operational challenges,” He continued, “In spite of the challenges experienced during the quarter, we remain optimistic on our profit improvement objectives as well as improved operating results.”
Financial and Operating Results
Operating revenues totaled $803.5 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2013, compared to $921.2 million for the same period last year or a decrease of $117.7 million, or 12.8%. The decrease was due primarily to the reduction of $128.2 million of fuel and certain engine overhaul amounts which are directly reimbursed by major partners and recorded as operating revenues. Total block hours for the quarter ended March 31, 2013 were 571,991, or an increase of 2.8 percent, compared to 556,421 for the same period last year, which generated approximately $10.5 million in additional revenues.
Total airline expenses (consisting of total operating and interest expenses) decreased $114.6 million, or 12.5%, during the quarter ended March 31, 2013, compared to the same period in 2012. However, after excluding pass-through costs for fuel and certain engine overhaul expenses, total airline expenses increased $4.8 million or less than 1%.
Under United Express agreements for SkyWest Airlines, Inc. (“SkyWest Airlines”) and ExpressJet Airlines, Inc. (“ExpressJet Airlines”), SkyWest recognizes revenue at fixed hourly rates for mature engine maintenance on regional jet engines and SkyWest recognizes engine maintenance expense on its CRJ200 regional jet engines on an as-incurred basis as maintenance expense. During the quarter ended March 31, 2013, CRJ200 engine expense under these agreements decreased $7.6 million to $10.0 million compared to $17.6 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2012, as a result of decreased engine overhaul expense due to the timing of scheduled engine maintenance events. SkyWest was reimbursed approximately $11.4 million and $9.4 million for engine overhaul expense, under its United Express agreements, in each of the periods ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Liquidity
At March 31, 2013, SkyWest had $631.5 million in cash and marketable securities, compared to $709.4 million as of December 31, 2012. The decrease in cash and marketable securities of $77.9 million was primarily the result of the payment of scheduled semi-annual lease and debt payments. SkyWest’s long-term debt was $1.44 billion as of March 31, 2012, compared to $1.47 billion as of December 31, 2012. The decrease in long-term debt was due primarily to SkyWest’s payment of normal recurring debt obligations. SkyWest has significant long-term lease obligations that are recorded as operating leases and are not reflected as liabilities on SkyWest’s consolidated balance sheets. At a 4.7% discount rate, the present value of these lease obligations was approximately $1.7 billion as of March 31, 2013.
Recent Business Developments
On August 2, 2012, SkyWest announced the award of 34 additional dual-class aircraft and the removal of 66 CRJ200 aircraft with Delta Airlines, Inc. (“Delta”) and has taken delivery of 33 of these dual-class aircraft. SkyWest anticipates removal of the 66 CRJ200 aircraft starting in October of 2013.
On September 11, 2012, SkyWest announced the signing of an agreement with American Airlines, Inc. (“American Airlines”) to operate 23 CRJ200 regional jet aircraft as American Eagle and had integrated 12 of these aircraft into operations by December 31, 2012. The remaining 11 aircraft were introduced into service February 14, 2013.
On July 11, 2012, SkyWest announced the execution of an Aircraft Purchase Agreement with Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation covering the purchase of 100 Mitsubishi regional jet aircraft. Deliveries are currently expected to begin in 2016.
SkyWest has increased its total fleet to 752 aircraft as of March 31, 2012, compared to 727 aircraft as of March 31, 2012.
Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing. SkyWest will start the removal of 66 Bombardier CRJ200 aircraft from the Delta Connection contract starting in October 2013. Bombardier CRJ200 (CL-600-2B19) N408SW (msn 7055) completes its final approach into Los Angeles International Airport.
Delta Connection-SkyWest: 
PSA Airlines’ pilots ratify the new contract
PSA Airlines’ (2nd) (US Airways Express) (Dayton), a wholly-owned subsidiary of US Airways (Phoenix), represented by the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), have voted to ratify a new five-year collective bargaining agreement that was reached on February 14. The new contract was ratified by the airline’s 515 ALPA-represented pilots who are based in in Dayton, Ohio; Knoxville, Tennessee and Charlotte, North Carolina.
Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum. PSA Airlines’ (2nd) Bombardier CRJ200 (CL-600-2B19) N261PS (msn 7959) climbs away from the Charlotte Douglas International Airport hub.
US Airways Express-PSA Airlines:
Delta to connect Dickinson, ND with the Minneapolis/St. Paul hub
Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) will add two daily flights between Dickinson’s Theodore Roosevelt Regional Airport in Dickinson, North Dakota and Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, effective on June 10, 2013.
The new service will be operated by Delta Connection carrier SkyWest Airlines (St. George) using 50-seat Bombardier CRJ200 regional jets. Last year, Delta also added service to Williston, N.D., where the Bakken oil reserves were first discovered.
The new market is growing due to the local expanding gas and oil industry.
Delta’s two daily flights between Dickinson and Minneapolis are scheduled as follows:
Dickinson to Minneapolis-St. Paul
| Departs | Arrives | Service Begins |
| 7:45 a.m. | 10:19 a.m. | June 10, 2013 |
| 11:50 a.m. | 2:23 p.m. | June 10, 2013 |
Minneapolis-St. Paul to Dickinson
| Departs | Arrives | Service Begins |
| 10:15 a.m. | 11:02 a.m. | June 10, 2013 |
| 5:30 p.m. | 6:16 p.m. | June 10, 2013 |
Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing. SkyWest’s CRJ200 (CL-600-2B19) N447SW (msn 7677) is pictured in action at Long Beach.
Delta Air Lines: 
Delta Connection-SkyWest:
SkyWest to operate St. George-Denver CRJ200 flights for United
SkyWest Airlines (St. George, UT) has announced new United Express service between its St. George, Utah base and the United Airlines Denver, Colorado hub beginning on June 6, 2013. SkyWest will provide once-daily Denver service utilizing its 50-passenger Canadair Regional Jet (Bombardier) CRJ200s.
Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing. Bombardier CRJ200 (CL-600-2B19) N927SW (msn 7693) climbs away from Los Angeles International Airport.
SkyWest Airlines:
United Express-SkyWest:
SkyWest routes operated for United Airlines:
Please click on the map for the full-size view.
PSA Airlines and ALPA reach a tentative agreement for a new contract
PSA Airlines (2nd) (US Airways Express) (Dayton), a wholly-owned subsidiary of US Airways (Phoenix), has announced that it has reached a tentative agreement with the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), which represents the airline’s 515 pilots.
ALPA will be presenting the details of the tentative agreement to its members for a ratification vote in the coming weeks. The tentative agreement would cover the airline’s 515 pilots, who are based in Dayton, Ohio; Knoxville, Tennessee and Charlotte, North Carolina.
Copyright Photo: Jay Selman. Bombardier CRJ200 (CL-600-2B19) N207PS (msn 7873) climbs away from the Charlotte hub.
US Airways Express-PSA Airlines:
SkyWest rebounds with a 4Q net profit of $13.9 million, $51.1 million net profit in 2012
SkyWest, Inc. (SkyWest Airlines and ExpressJet Airlines) (St. George, UT) today reported net income of $13.9 million, or $0.27 per diluted share, for the quarter ended December 31, 2012, compared to a net loss of $(18.0) million, or $(0.35) per diluted share, for the same period last year.
Quarter Highlights
SkyWest’s operating and financial results for the quarter ended December 31, 2012 reflect a significant improvement compared to the same period of 2011, primarily as a result of recording additional revenues from an increase in block hour production and continuing to reduce its cost structure as part of its profit improvement plan; however, for financial reporting purposes, the increased revenues were offset by lower reimbursement payments for fuel and maintenance overhaul expenses under contracts with SkyWest’s major partners, resulting in a net decrease in total operating revenues. These efforts resulted in a $53.3 million improvement in pretax income and an improvement in fully diluted earnings per share of $0.62 for the quarter ended December 31, 2012, compared to the same period last year. This is the fourth quarter in a row where reported results have exceeded market estimates. Following are some selected highlights for the quarter and twelve months ended December 31, 2012 compared to the same periods last year:
| (Unaudited)
Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts |
Three Months Ended
December 31, |
Twelve Months Ended
December 31, |
|||||
| 2012 | 2011 | % Change | 2012 | 2011 | % Change | ||
| Total operating revenue | $ 810,725 | $ 899,851 | (9.9)% | $3,534,372 | $3,654,924 | (3.3)% | |
| Total operating margin | 5.4% | (0.6)% | 6.0pts | 4.7% | 1.1% | 3.6pts | |
| Pretax income (loss) | $ 25,556 | $ (27,773) | 192.0% | $ 85,896 | $ (50,170) | 271.2% | |
| Net income (loss) | $ 13,946 | $ (17,967) | 177.6% | $ 51,157 | $ (27,335) | 287.1% | |
| Fully diluted earnings per share | $ 0.27 | $ (0.35) | 177.1% | $ 0.99 | $ (0.52) | 290.4% | |
| Block hours | 568,808 | 550,808 | 3.3% | 2,297,014 | 2,250,280 | 2.1% | |
Commenting on the results, Jerry C. Atkin, SkyWest’s Chairman and CEO, said “We are very pleased with our operating and financial results for the quarter ended December 31, 2012. This is a solid result for a quarter that can typically be very challenging.” He continued, “We continue to make positive progress in our cost reduction efforts that are resulting in improved profits, quarter over quarter.”
Financial and Operating Results
Under certain of SkyWest’s flying contracts, fuel purchased for SkyWest flights has been directly reimbursed by SkyWest’s major partners and, for financial reporting purposes, was included in operating revenues. The majority of fuel is now purchased directly by SkyWest’s major partners and as a result, SkyWest experienced a reduction of $92.5 million in reported operating revenues and operating expenses related directly to fuel purchases by its major partners under its contract flying, for the quarter ended December 31, 2012, compared to the quarter ended December 31, 2011.
Operating revenues totaled $810.7 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2012, compared to $899.9 million for the same period last year or a decrease of $89.2 million, or 9.9%, The decrease was due primarily to the reduction of $115.8 million of fuel and certain engine overhaul amounts which are directly reimbursed by major partners and recorded as operating revenues, offset by an increase in revenues of approximately $27.5 million as a result of additional block hour production and incentive amounts for improvements in completion factors and on-time performance for its flights. Total block hours for the quarter ended December 31, 2012 were 568,808, or an increase of 3.3 percent, compared to 550,808 for the same period last year.
Total airline expenses (consisting of total operating and interest expenses) decreased $139.1 million, or 15.0%, during the quarter ended December 31, 2012, compared to the same period in 2011. However, after excluding pass-through costs for fuel and certain engine overhaul expenses that are directly reimbursed by SkyWest’s major partners, total airline expenses decreased $35.2 million or 4.6%. The decrease was primarily the result of 1) reduced non-pass through maintenance costs of approximately $14.7 million, 2) reduced United Express CRJ200 engine overhaul costs of approximately $8.7 million and 3) reduced customer service labor of approximately $7.9 million due to the elimination of handling of flights at certain airports.
Under United Express agreements for SkyWest Airlines, Inc. (St. George) and ExpressJet Airlines, Inc. (Atlanta) SkyWest recognizes revenue at fixed hourly rates for mature engine maintenance on regional jet engines and SkyWest recognizes engine maintenance expense on its CRJ200 regional jet engines on an as-incurred basis as maintenance expense. During the quarter ended December 31, 2012, CRJ200 engine expense under these agreements decreased $8.7 million to $10.6 million compared to $19.3 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2011, as a result of decreased engine overhaul expense due to the timing of scheduled engine maintenance events. SkyWest was reimbursed approximately $10.3 million and $8.9 million for engine overhaul expense, under its United Express agreements, in each of the periods ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Liquidity
At December 31, 2012, SkyWest had $709.4 million in cash and marketable securities, compared to $646.5 million as of December 31, 2011. The increase in cash and marketable securities of $62.9 million was primarily the result of increased profitability for the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2012. SkyWest’s long-term debt was $1.47 billion as of December 31, 2012, compared to $1.61 billion as of December 31, 2011. The decrease in long-term debt was due primarily to SkyWest’s payment of normal recurring debt obligations. SkyWest has significant long-term lease obligations that are recorded as operating leases and are not reflected as liabilities on SkyWest’s consolidated balance sheets. At a 4.7% discount rate, the present value of these lease obligations was approximately $1.8 billion as of December 31, 2012.
Recent Business Developments
SkyWest (Delta Connection) recently announced the award of 34 additional dual-class aircraft and the removal of 66 CRJ200 aircraft with Delta Airlines, Inc. (Atlanta) and has taken delivery of 20 of these dual-class aircraft by December 31, 2012. The remaining 14 aircraft have planned delivery dates between January and May 2014. SkyWest anticipates removal of the 66 CRJ200 aircraft starting in October of 2013.
SkyWest also recently announced the signing of an agreement with American Airlines, Inc. (Dallas/Fort Worth) to operate 23 Bombardier CRJ200 regional jet aircraft as American Eagle and had integrated 12 of these aircraft into operations by December 31, 2012. The remaining 11 aircraft have been introduced into service February 14, 2013.
SkyWest recently announced the execution of an Aircraft Purchase Agreement with Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation covering the purchase of 100 Mitsubishi regional jet aircraft. Deliveries are currently expected to begin in 2016.
SkyWest has increased its total fleet to 744 aircraft as of December 31, 2012, compared to 732 aircraft as of December 31, 2011.
Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing. SkyWest Airlines now has 23 Bombardier CRJ200 regional jets in operation for American Airlines as an American Eagle Carrier. Unfortunately for SkyWest, the newly painted aircraft will have to be painted in the new American Eagle livery. CRJ200 (CL-600-2B19) N464SW (msn 7827) climbs away from Los Angeles International Airport.
American Eagle-SkyWest:
American Eagle-SkyWest Route Map: The American Eagle operation is based in Los Angeles.
SCAT Bombardier CRJ200 crashes in Altmaty, 20 dead
SCAT Airlines’ (SCAT Air Company) (Shymkent) Canadair CRJ200 (CL-600-2B19) UP-CJ006 (msn 7413) crashed today while on approach to Almaty, Kazakhstan. The regional jet was operating flight DV 760 from Kokshetau to Almaty with 15 passengers and five crew members. The aircraft was attempting a landing in fog and crashed in swampy terrain.
Read the full account from The Australian: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Yevgeniy/Planespotters.net.
SCAT Airlines: 
SkyWest Airlines starts operating for American Airlines as a new American Eagle carrier
SkyWest Airlines (St. George) as planned, on November 15 started its capacity purchase agreement with American Airlines (Dallas/Fort Worth) for the operation of 23 Bombardier CRJ200 regional jet aircraft. The aircraft are now starting to be operated under the American Eagle Airlines brand from the Los Angeles hub. This is a new type to appear in American Eagle’s colors.
The aircraft are being painted by Dean Baldwin Painting in Roswell, NM. The following statement was issued by Dean Baldwin Painting:
Dean Baldwin Painting, LP. has been painting aircraft for Skywest Airlines for over 12 years. The recently announced contract between Skywest Airlines and American Airlines has become additional slot orders for Dean Baldwin’s Roswell, NM aircraft painting facility. According to recent press releases, Skywest Airlines will be placing 23 regional jets in service flying for American Airlines; all will be in service prior to the first quarter of 2013. The new contract is good news for the 46 year old aircraft painting company, which has painted over 300 aircraft for Skywest Airlines since 1999.
Dean Baldwin Painting, LP paints a number of liveries for Skywest Airlines including US Airway, Delta Connection, United Express in addition the their own Skywest Airlines livery. They have been providing expert aircraft painting services to the aviation industry for over forty-six years. The company has a respectable client base that includes US Airways, SkyWest Airlines, jetBlue Airways, ABX Air, Air Canada, and many other highly regarded air carriers. In addition, the company is an experienced service provider to the US Air Force having completed over 250 strip and paints on C130 aircraft during the past ten years. Dean Baldwin also performs VIP aircraft painting services for corporate and private operators.
With corporate offices located in Bulverde, Texas, Dean Baldwin Painting operates from three locations in the U.S. – Phoenix Goodyear, AZ; Roswell, NM and San Antonio, TX a and fourth location in Peru, Indiana will be coming on line in the fourth quarter of 2012. The company is a certified minority-woman owned, small, privately held business specializing in aircraft refinishing services.
Copyright Photo: James Helbock. Bombardier CRJ200 (CL-600-2B19) N464SW (msn 7827) completes its final approach into Los Angeles International Airport.
Hot New Photos: 
Jetlink Express suspends operations in Kenya
Jetlink Express (Nairobi) operated its last flight on November 15 and suspended all operations the following day because it was unable to obtain its funds from Southern Sudan according to this report by Business Daily. The regional carrier started operations in 2005 with Bombardier CRJ100 and CRJ200 regional jets.
Read the full report: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Jetlink Express.
Pinnacle Airlines reaches a tentative contract agreement with its flight attendants
Pinnacle Airlines Corporation’s (Memphis) wholly owned subsidiary, Pinnacle Airlines Inc. (Memphis), announced it has reached a tentative agreement with the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA), the legal representative of the Pinnacle Airlines Flight Attendant group. Pinnacle is seeking concessions from all of its employees in order to emerge successfully from Chapter 11 proceedings with a competitive cost structure. The two sides reached a tentative agreement on concessions that cover pay, retirement, work rules and benefits. The concessions would become effective when concessions are implemented for other labor groups and non-union employees. AFA members at the airline will now have the opportunity to vote on the tentative agreement in the coming days and, if ratified, will avoid the Section 1113 litigation process in bankruptcy court.
The tentative agreement also remains subject to required corporate approvals and review by the Bankruptcy Court.
Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum. Pinnacle Airlines’ Bombardier CRJ200 (CL-600-2B19) N8918B (msn 7918) taxies at Charlotte.
Delta Connection-Pinnacle: 
SkyWest to operate 23 Bombardier CRJ200s for American Eagle
SkyWest, Inc. (St. George) announced today that it has signed a Capacity Purchase Agreement (CPA) with American Airlines, Inc. (Dallas/Fort Worth) to operate 23 Bombardier CRJ200 regional jet aircraft under the American Eagle designation. SkyWest currently anticipates that it will commence its American flights on November 15, 2012, with all 23 aircraft being placed in service prior to end of the first quarter 2013. SkyWest intends to source the aircraft from its existing fleet where they have previously been operated in behalf of another major partner and anticipates that 12 of the aircraft will be flown by SkyWest Airlines, Inc. and 11 aircraft will be flown by ExpressJet Airlines, Inc. (Atlanta). SkyWest also anticipates that the American aircraft will be primarily operated out of Los Angeles International Airport and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.
The CPA, which has a term of four years, provides for SkyWest, through its operating airlines SkyWest Airlines and ExpressJet Airlines, to be compensated in similar fashion to existing capacity purchase agreements with SkyWest’s other major partners.
SkyWest is the holding company for two scheduled passenger airline operations and an aircraft leasing company and is headquartered in St. George, Utah. SkyWest’s scheduled passenger airline operations consist of SkyWest Airlines, also based in St. George, Utah, and ExpressJet Airlines, based in Atlanta, Georgia. SkyWest Airlines operates as United Express and Delta Connection carriers under contractual agreements with United Airlines, Inc. and Delta Air Lines, Inc. SkyWest Airlines also operates as US Airways Express under a contractual agreement with US Airways, Inc., and operates flights for Alaska Airlines under a contractual agreement. ExpressJet Airlines operates as United Express and Delta Connection carriers under contractual agreements with United and Delta. System-wide, SkyWest serves markets in the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean with approximately 4,000 daily departures and a fleet of approximately 725 regional aircraft.
Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing. Bombardier CRJ200 N496CA (msn 7791) arrives at Los Angeles.
SkyWest: 
SkyWest pilot kills himself after trying to steal a CRJ200 at St. George, Utah
SkyWest Airlines‘ (St. George) pilot, who was wanted for the murder of his former girlfriend in Colorado, attempted to steal an unoccupied SkyWest regional jet from the St. George Airport yesterday (July 17). The pilot then committed suicide after smashing the unoccupied Bombardier CRJ200 (CL-600-2B19) N865AS (msn 7507) into the loading bridge according to this report by the The Salt Lake Tribune.
Read the full report (with photos): CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing. N865AS is seen at Long Beach before the incident.
SkyWest Airlines: 
Delta to drop Newburgh-Atlanta service on September 1
Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) will drop the Newburgh (Stewart International Airport)-Atlanta route on September 1 due to low numbers. The route is operated by ExpressJet Airlines. Atlantic Southwest Airlines (ASA) was merged with ExpressJet on December 31, 2011 and adopted the ExpressJet name.
Read the full story from recordonline.com: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum.
Delta Connection-Atlantic Southeast Airlines: CLICK HERE
Pinnacle Airlines Bombardier CRJ200 diverts to Fargo
Delta Connection-Pinnacle Airlines Bombardier CRJ200 (CL-600-2B19) N8588D (msn 7588) MSP (Bruce Drum), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Pinnacle Airlines (Delta Connection) (Memphis) Bombardier CRJ200 diverted to Fargo yesterday. The Minneapolis/St. Paul to Grand Forks flight made an emergency landing at Fargo due to “suspicious condition in the lavatory” by a passenger who was questioned. There were no injuries and no charges resulted from the incident.
Pinnacle Flight DL 4375 operated with a Bombardier CRJ200 left MSP at 9:15 a.m. (0915) and diverted to Fargo.
Read the full report from INFORUM:
Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum. Pinnacle Airlines’ Bombardier CRJ200 (CL-600-2B19) N8588D (msn 7588) approaches MSP for landing.
SkyWest Airlines’ flight 3074 makes a left main gear-up landing at Milwaukee
SkyWest Airlines Bombardier CRJ200 (CL-600-2B19) N495CA (msn 7774) PHL (new livery) (Joe Osciak), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
SkyWest Airlines’ (St. George) flight 3074 being operated under the AirTran Airways code was forced to make a left main gear-up landing at Milwaukee last night on a flight from Omaha. The Bombardier CRJ200 registered N498CA (msn 7792) with 36 passengers and three crew on board landed safely on runway 07R with no injuries. The regional jet skidded on the runway with the left main gear retracted.
Read the full report (with a video newscast) from KETV Channel 7 in Omaha:
Top Copyright Photo: Joe Osciak. Sister ship CRJ200 (CL-600-2B19) N495CA (msn 7774) arrives at Philadelphia.
Bottom Copyright Photo: Joe G. Walker. CRJ200 (CL-600-2B19) N498CA (msn 7792) is pictured at Milwaukee before the incident.
Copyright Photo: Joe G. Walker.
Pinnacle Airlines Corporation reports 2Q net income of $5.9 million
Delta Connection-Pinnacle Airlines Bombardier CRJ200 (CL-600-2B19) N8588D (msn 7588) MSP (Bruce Drum), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Pinnacle Airlines Corporation (Memphis), the holding compay for Pinnacle Airlines, Colgan Air and Mesaba Aviation (Mesaba Airlines), reported second quarter 2010 net income of $5.9 million and fully diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) of $0.32, as compared to net income and EPS for the second quarter of 2009 of $7.3 million and $0.40, respectively, excluding prior year special items. The Company reported consolidated operating income of $19.8 million in the second quarter of 2010, a decrease of $3.9 million from the second quarter of 2009, excluding prior year special items. Among other items, the second quarter of 2010 was negatively affected by higher aviation insurance premiums that were the subject of a previously reported dispute with Delta and were not reimbursed totaling $1.7 million ($1.0 million net of related income taxes). The Company has resolved this dispute with Delta and does not expect to incur any additional future un-reimbursed aviation insurance premiums under its Delta Connection agreements. Second quarter 2010 pre-tax income was also reduced by a $1.5 million ($1.0 million net of related income taxes) adjustment to the fair value of interest rate options that the Company purchased to hedge interest rates in connection with the Company’s Q400 growth program.
The Company acquired Mesaba Aviation, Inc. from Delta Air Lines on July 1, 2010. Mesaba operates a fleet of 60 Canadair regional jet aircraft and 32 Saab 340B+ turbo-prop aircraft. With this acquisition, the Company’s consolidated fleet has grown from 190 regional aircraft to 282.
In late July, the Company took delivery of the first of 15 additional DHC-8-402 (Q400) regional aircraft to be operated by Colgan Air under the Company’s operating agreement with Continental Airlines. The Company expects to take delivery of seven additional Q400 aircraft in 2010, and seven Q400 aircraft in the first half of 2011.
Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum. Pinnacle Airlines’ (Delta Connection) Bombardier CRJ200 (CL-600-2B19) N8588D (msn 7588) arrives at the MSP hub.
go!/Mokulule Airlines to add Lana’i
Copyright Photo: Travis Thurston. Bombardier CRJ200 (CL-600-2B19) N77278 (msn 7278) waits at the gate at HNL.
go!/Mokulele Airlines (Honolulu) will begin service to Lana’i (LNY) from Honolulu which is advertising a $49 one-way fare to LNY. This is likely to spur a price war with Island Air.
ASA commences United Express operations
United Express-Atlantic Southeast Airlines (ASA) Bombardier CRJ200 (CL-600-2B19) N832AS (msn 7243) ATL (new United Express carrier), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
ASA-Atlantic Southeast Airlines, Inc. (Atlanta), a wholly owned subsidiary of SkyWest, Inc., yesterday (February 11) launched a new partnership with United Airlines with scheduled service under the United Express code from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). ASA is starting United Express service with eight weekday flights from Chicago O’Hare, and 15 weekday flights from Washington Dulles, using eight newly refurbished 50-seat Bombardier CRJ200 regional jets. In May, ASA will add six CRJ200 aircraft to the United Express operation, bringing the average number of weekday flights to 90 and the total number of cities served by ASA in the United Express network to 21.
The inaugural ASA-operated United Express flight departed on time today from Chicago O’Hare to Columbus, Ohio, at 6:24 a.m. CST.
Copyright Photo: Christopher Weyer. ASA’s Bombardier CRJ200 (CL-600-2B19) N832AS (msn 7243) shows off the new UA plumage at the ATL base.
Chautauqua Airlines to phase out the seven CRJ200s operated for Continental Airlines
Continental Express-Chautauqua Airlines Bombardier CRJ200 (CL-600-2B19) N701BR (msn 7448) IAH (7 CRJ200s to be returned), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Chautauqua Airlines (Continental Airlines) (Indianapolis) through its parent Republic Airways Holdings has decided to return its seven Bombardier CRJ200s (CL-600-2B19s) to the lessors and will be phased out from the fleet. The seven aircraft are currently being operated for Continental Airlines as a Continental Express carrier.
Copyright Photo: Jeffrey S. DeVore. CRJ200 (CL-600-2B19) N701BR (msn 7448) poses for the camera on the ramp at Houston (Bush Intercontinental).
PSA Airlines CRJ200 aborts takeoff at Charleston, WV and overruns the runway
US Airways Express-PSA Airlines (2nd) Bombardier CRJ200 (CL-600-2B19) N246PS (msn 7920) CLT (ran off the runway at Charleston, WV), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
PSA Airlines (2nd) (US Airways Express) (Dayton) had an incident at Charleston, WV yesterday (January 19). A CRJ200 (N245PS) operating as US Airways Express flight US/JIA to Charlotte aborted its takeoff on runway 23 and overran the runway. There were no reported injuries.
News link:
aircrewbuzz.com/2010/01/psa-airlines-crj-200-runway-overrun-at.html
The first ex-Lufthansa CityLine CRJ200 is painted for UTair
Copyright Photo: Rainer Bexten. Ex-Lufthansa CityLine CRJ200 (CL-600-2B19) D-ACJJ (msn 7298) is pictured at Cologne with its new identity.
UTair Aviation (Khanty Mansiysk) is acquiring a fleet of second-hand Bombardier CRJ200s (CL-600-2B19s) from Lufthansa CityLine. The first has been painted.
SkyWest Airlines introduces a new house livery
SkyWest Airlines Bombardier CRJ200 (CL-600-2B19) N495CA (msn 7774) PHL (new livery), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
SkyWest Airlines (St. George) in late 2009 introduced a new house livery.
Copyright Photo: Joe Osciak. Bombardier CRJ200 (CL-600-2B19) N495CA (msn 7774) prepares to land at Philadelphia in the new look.
RwandAir adds two CRJ200s, negotiates for two Boeing 737-800s
RwandAir Bombardier CRJ200 (CL-600-2B19) D-ACHG (msn 7439) CGN, originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
RwandAir (Kigali) as previously reported, is acquiring two CRJ200s from Lufthansa. The flag carrier is also negotiating for two Boeing 737-800s for delivery in 2011.
News link:
www.reuters.com/article/idAFLDE5BF01G20091216?rpc=44
Copyright Photo: Rainer Bexten.
Adria Airways to return to Belgrade after nearly 20 years
Adria Airways Bombardier CRJ200 (CL-600-2B19) S5-AAD (msn 7166) (SiOL) ARN, originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Adria Airways (Ljubljana) is planning to reinstate the Ljubljana-Belgrade route in March 2010. This route has been vacant for almost 20 years due to political reasons.
News link:
www.b92.net//eng/news/business-article.php?yyyy=2009&mm=12&dd=12&nav_id=63696
Copyright Photo: Stefan Sjogren.
Go! adds Mokulele titles to its CRJ200 fleet
Copyright Photo: Ivan K. Nishimura. Bombardier CRJ200 (CL-600-2B19) N77278 (msn 7278) is pictured at Honolulu in the more subdued 2008 livery with the new joint titles.
Go! (iflygo.com) (Mesa Air Group) (Honolulu) is adding Mokulele titles to its Bombardier CRJ200 (CL-600-2B19) fleet.
As previously reported, last month Mesa Air Group and Republic Airways Holdings merged their competing subsidiaries, go! and Mokulele Airlines into a joint venture called go! Mokulele. Mesa’s 50-seat CRJ200s continued to operate inter-island services, supplemented by Mokulele’s Cessna 208B Grand Caravan turboprop aircraft. Shuttle America’s Embraer ERJ 170s, operated on behalf of Mokulele Airlines, were removed from Hawaii service. Mesa maintains a 75 percent share in the joint venture, with Republic holding the remaining 25 percent.
SkyWest Airlines to add four United Express routes from Chicago
United Express-SkyWest Airlines Bombardier CRJ200 (CL-600-2B19) N932SW (msn 7714) LAX, originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
SkyWest Airlines (United Express) will add four new destinations from the Chicago O’Hare hub in early 2010. United Express service will be added from ORD to Eau Claire (March 1), Hancock/Houghton (March 1), Muskegon (February 11) and Paducah (February 11).
Press release:
finance.yahoo.com/news/United-Brings-New-Chicago-prnews-1949796172.html?x=0&.v=1
Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum.
Please click on photo or link below for full view, information, prints for sale and other photos:
United to phase out 26 Mesa Airlines CRJ200s
United Express-Mesa Airlines Bombardier CRJ200 (CL-600-2B19) N75995 (msn 7361) JFK, originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
United Airlines (Chicago) has elected to not extend the Mesa Airlines contract. 26 Bombardier CRJ200s (CL-600-2B19) will be phased out of United Express fleet no later than April 30, 2010.
Press release:
finance.yahoo.com/news/Mesa-Air-Group-Inc-Announces-prnews-1562196731.html?x=0&.v=1
Copyright Photo: Ken Petersen.
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SkyWest to operate five CRJ200s for AirTran Airways from Milwaukee
SkyWest Airlines CRJ200 (CL-600-2B19) N947SW (msn 7786) LAS, originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
SkyWest Airlines (St. George) will operate five Bombardier CRJ200s for AirTran Airways from Milwaukee to six destinations starting on December 4. The code-share agreement will be operated in SkyWest’s house colors.
Press release:
finance.yahoo.com/news/SkyWest-Airlines-and-AirTran-prnews-1073468401.html?x=0&.v=1
The pilots, represented by ALPA, expressed their “concerns” in a separate press release:
finance.yahoo.com/news/AirTran-Pilots-Outsourcing-bw-2972123343.html?x=0&.v=1
On the financial side, SkyWest, Inc. reported net income of $28.6 million for the third quarter.
Press release:
finance.yahoo.com/news/SkyWest-Announces-Third-prnews-3593843045.html?x=0&.v=1
Copyright Photo: Jay Selman.
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Mesa Airlines to launch Pensacola-Dulles Feb. 11
Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum. Please click on photo for full view, information and other photos.
Mesa Airlines (Mesa Air Group) (United Express) (Phoenix) will launch twice-daily Bombardier CRJ200 regional jet United Express service for United Airlines between Pensacola, FL and the Washington (Dulles) hub on February 11, 2010.
Press release:
finance.yahoo.com/news/United-Airlines-to-Launch-prnews-3389475633.html?x=0&.v=1
Republic to pull ERJ 170s out of Hawaii
Copyright Photo: Sun Valley Aviation. Please click on photo for full view, information and other photos.
Republic Airways Holdings (Indianapolis) has answered our question of what they would do with the three Shuttle America (Indianapolis) Embraer ERJ 170s operating for subsidiary Mokulele Airlines in Hawaii. The holding company yesterday (October 13) announced that it had reached an agreement with Mesa Air Group (Phoenix) to form a joint venture (JV) to combine the jet routes currently flown by both Mesa (go!) and Republic (Mokulele). Under the agreement, Embraer ERJ 170 routes currently operated by Shuttle America (Republic Airways) will be transitioned to jet service provided by go! (Mesa Air Group). The three ERJ 170s will be returned to the mainland by November and will be operated in Republic Airways’ branded network (probably for either Frontier or Midwest).
Under the terms of the JV agreement, Mokulele shareholders will contribute their ownership of Mokulele to the JV and will own 25 percent of the new unnamed venture. Additionally, current Mokulele shareholders will be obligated to fund up to $1.5 million to capitalize the JV. Republic, which is the majority shareholder of Mokulele, will forgive Mokulele’s $3.1 million outstanding debt to Republic, net of surrendered aircraft deposits.
Here is the full press release from Republic Airways Holdings:
finance.yahoo.com/news/Republic-Airways-Forms-Joint-bw-794256419.html?x=0&.v=1
The press release by the Mesa Air Group states both the go! and Mokulele Airlines brands will continue under the JV. Therefore both airlines will continue to operate under their brands although it unclear what aircraft Mokulele Airlines will operate.
finance.yahoo.com/news/Mesa-Announces-Joint-Venture-prnews-1012591534.html?x=0&.v=1
Pinnacle’s pilots vote against new contract
Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum. Please click on photo for more photos.
Pinnacle Airlines’ (Memphis) pilots, represented by ALPA, have failed to ratify an agreement to amend the current contract.
Press release:
finance.yahoo.com/news/Pinnacle-Airlines-Pilot-iw-414954069.html?x=0&.v=1
Austrian arrows to axe 14 CRJ200s/DHC-8-300s
The CRJ100s have already left the Austrian arrows fleet. CRJ100 OE-LRH (msn 7125) prepares to land at Dusseldorf. Copyright Photo: Ariel Shocron.
Austrian Airlines (Vienna) has announced it can no longer efficiently operate its 50-seat aircraft operated by Austrian Arrows (marketed as Austrian arrows) (Tyrolean Airways dba) (Innsbruck and Vienna). As a result it will begin phasing out the CRJ200 fleet at the beginning of the 2010 summer season. The company will also reduce its DHC-8-300 fleet and partly replace them with larger DHC-8-400s. In total 14 aircraft will be removed from the fleet of 55 aircraft. An unspecified number of jobs will also be eliminated at the subsidiary.
Full details:
Midwest Airlines to phase out SkyWest
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Midwest Airlines (Milwaukee) has decided to phase out SkyWest Airlines (St. George) from its Midwest Connect operation. This decision comes after a new $12 million debt refinancing injection by owner TPG Capital and Republic Airways ($6 million each). As a result Republic Airways will increase its Midwest Connect operation to now include 12 37-seat Embraer ERJ 135s and 50-seat ERJ 145s (probably to be operated by subsidiary Chautauqua Airlines) starting in July to replace the 12 Bombardier CRJ200 regional jets operated by SkyWest. SkyWest started operating for Midwest on June 1, 2007 and their operation should be phased out by January 2010. Republic Airways subsidiary Republic Airlines (2nd) currently operates 12 Embraer ERJ 170-100s and is due to add two ERJ 190-100ARs for long range routes.
Air Canada Jazz starts Toronto-Sydney, NS
Please click on photo for full view, information and other Air Canada Jazz aircraft.
Air Canada Jazz (Halifax) yesterday as planned started a new daily seasonal Bombardier CRJ200 regional jet route between the Toronto hub and Sydney (Nova Scotia).
Air Wisconsin completes 1 millionth CRJ200 flight
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Air Wisconsin (Air Wisconsin Airlines Corporation) (US Airways Express) (Appleton) announced yesterday its has completed its 1,000,000th revenue flight with its 50-seat Bombardier CRJ200 (CL-600-2B19) fleet. Air Wisconsin operates 70 CRJ200s for US Airways.
ASA grounds its 60 Bombardier CRJ200s
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ASA (Atlantic Southeast Airlines) (Delta Connection) (subsidiary of SkyWest) (Atlanta) on March 31 grounded its 60 Bombardier CRJ200 regional jets after an internal audit discovered it may have missed some critical engine inspections. ASA serves 111 airports in 30 states. The fleet is gradually being returned to service.
Mexicana Link starts operations
Bombardier CRJ200 (CL-600-2B19) XA-BMI (msn 7311) is pictured at the GDL base. Copyright Photo: Logan Sanchez Ontiveros.
Mexicana Link (subsidiary of Mexicana) (Guadalajara) commenced regional operations on March 13. The first flight departed GDL for Puerto Vallarta. The new subsidiary will operated 13 Bombardier CRJ200s (CL-600-2B19s).
SkyWest to add two new Chicago UA flights
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SkyWest Airlines (United Express) (St. George) will add two new United Express Chicago O’Hare hub flights on June 4 to Bismarck (CRJ200) and Saskatoon (CRJ700).
