Tag Archives: Bombardier CRJ200 (CL-600-2B19)

American announces the retirement of five aircraft types!

American Airlines has made this announcement:

Last month, American Airlines announced plans to accelerate the retirement of some older, less fuel-efficient aircraft from its fleet sooner than originally planned. As flying schedules and aircraft needs are fine-tuned during this period of record low demand, American will take the unique step of retiring a total of five aircraft types.

Above Copyright Photo: American Airlines Embraer ERJ 190-100 IGW N946UW (msn 19000072) CLT (Jay Selman). Image: 403270.

Above Copyright Photo: American Airlines Boeing 767-323 ER WL N347AN (msn 33086) MIA (Ken Petersen). Image: 949517.

American has officially retired the Embraer E190 and Boeing 767-300 fleets, which were originally scheduled to retire by the end of 2020.

Above Copyright Photo: American Airlines Boeing 757-223 WL N191AN (msn 32385) MIA (Ken Petersen). Image: 949641.

Above Copyright Photo: American Airlines Airbus A330-323 N272AY (msn 333) LHR (SPA). Image: 930259.

The airline has also accelerated the retirement of its Boeing 757-200s and Airbus A330-300s. Additionally, American is retiring 19 Bombardier CRJ200 aircraft operated by PSA Airlines.

Above Copyright Photo: American Eagle (2nd)-PSA Airlines (2nd) Bombardier CRJ200 (CL-600-2B19) N244PS (msn 7912) CLT (Jay Selman). Image: 402940.

These changes remove operating complexity and will bring forward cost savings and efficiencies associated with operating fewer aircraft types. It will also help American focus on flying more advanced aircraft as we continue receiving new deliveries of the Airbus A321neo and the Boeing 737 MAX and 787 family. American’s narrowbody fleet also becomes more simplified with just two cockpit types – the Airbus A320 and the Boeing 737 families. This benefits American’s operational performance through training efficiency and streamlined maintenance.

American continues to evaluate its schedule and remains committed to caring for customers on life’s journey. These changes will help American continue to provide a reliable travel experience around the world, even during these uncertain times.

Here’s a snapshot of the aircraft exiting American’s fleet:

Airbus A330-300 — Blue Sky News/Pittsburgh International Airport

Airbus A330-300

Joined the US Airways fleet in 2000 prior to joining American’s fleet in 2013.
Nine A330-300s in the fleet as of Jan. 1, 2020.
Flew mainly trans-Atlantic routes, with some domestic service.

Boeing 757-200

Boeing 757-200

Joined the America West fleet in 1987 and American in 1989.
34 757-200s in the fleet as of Jan. 1, 2020.
Flew mostly mainland domestic and Hawaii routes, with some trans-Atlantic and Latin America service.

Boeing 767-300ER

Boeing 767-300ER

Joined American in 1988.
17 767-300ERs in the fleet as of Jan. 1, 2020.
Flew mainly trans-Atlantic routes, with some domestic, Hawaii and Latin America service.

Embraer E190 — Blue Sky News/Pittsburgh International Airport

Embraer E190

Joined the US Airways fleet in 2006 prior to joining American’s fleet in 2013.
20 E190s in the fleet as of Jan. 1, 2020.
Flew domestic routes, with extensive support for American Airlines Shuttle.

A Bombardier CRJ-200 aircraft operated by PSA Airlines.

Bombardier CRJ200

Joined the PSA Airlines fleet in 2003.
19 CRJ200s in the fleet as of Jan. 1, 2020.
Flew domestic routes on the East Coast, with service primarily from American’s hubs in Charlotte, North Carolina; Washington, D.C.; and Philadelphia.

American to add new domestic routes later this year

American Airlines is planning to add new domestic routes from its hubs later this year according to Airline Route:

Chicago O’Hare – Charleston, WV – daily SkyWest CRJ200 effective September 4, 2019
Dallas/Ft. Worth – St. George – daily SkyWest CRJ200 effective September 26, 2019

Miami – Bentonville/Northwest Arkansas – daily Republic Airline Embraer 175 effective December 18, 2019

Miami – Columbia, SC – daily Envoy Air Embraer ERJ 145 effective December 18, 2019
Miami – Oklahoma City – daily Republic Airline Embraer 175 effective December 18, 2019
Philadelphia – Vail/Eagle, CO – weekly mainline Boeing 757-200 effective December 21, 2019
Phoenix – Rapid City, SD (Black Hills/Mount Rushmore) – daily SkyWest CRJ200 effective September 4, 2019

Top Copyright Photo: American Eagle Airlines (2nd)-SkyWest Airlines Bombardier CRJ200 (CL-600-2B19) N955SW (msn 7817) PHX (Keith Burton). Image: 946556.

American Eagle-SkyWest aircraft slide show:

Air Canada announces improvements to the Capacity Purchase Agreement with Jazz Aviation LP, Jazz will grow and get bigger aircraft

Air Canada today announced an agreement to amend and extend the Capacity Purchase Agreement (CPA) with Jazz Aviation LP, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Chorus Aviation Inc., under which Jazz currently operates certain regional Air Canada Express flights.

The amendments should provide long term stability for Chorus, reaffirming Jazz as Air Canada’s most significant Express carrier well into the future, as well as enabling growth on Chorus’ leasing business through Air Canada’s equity investment and the predictability of Jazz’s cashflow from CPA operations until 2035. The amendments will bolster the strength and competitiveness of the Air Canada Express brand and its coast-to-coast regional network, and provide significant CPA savings for Air Canada, while optimizing network and fleet flexibility when compared to the current agreement.

Highlights of the CPA Amendments:

Extension of the CPA term by ten years from January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2035;
Simplification and modernization of the Jazz fleet with growth through more, larger gauge aircraft. The Amendments will include various minimum levels of covered aircraft at different points in time providing Air Canada the flexibility to optimize its fleet within its network strategy;
Continuance of a fixed fee structure, including new terms mitigating risk and market- oriented compensation to make the CPA more competitive given new competitors entering the market;
Projected annual savings to Air Canada of approximately $50 million in each of 2019 and 2020, and cumulative savings of approximately $53 million between 2021 and 2025, both as compared to the 2015 CPA frame-work (from both fixed fee and performance incentive reductions); Beyond 2025 – a market competitive fixed fee for the extension period. This supports Air Canada’s Cost Transformation Programs;
Continuation of a highly successful pilot mobility agreement that provides Air Canada Express pilots with access to pilot careers at Air Canada on a planned basis;
Air Canada will consolidate more of its overall regional capacity into Jazz’s footprint, thereby lowering Air Canada’s overall regional costs in the future;
The Amendments will be effective retroactively as at January 1, 2019, subject to a number of conditions, including completion of Air Canada’s equity investment in Chorus and ratification of a new tentative collective agreement between Jazz and the Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), the union representing Jazz pilots.

Highlights of the Equity Investment:

Air Canada has agreed to subscribe for 15,561,600 Class B Voting Shares in the capital of Chorus, representing approximately 9.99% of the issued and outstanding Class A Variable Voting Shares and Class B Voting Shares of Chorus on a combined basis. This represents an investment of ~$97,260,000 by Air Canada;
The Chorus shares will be issued to Air Canada at a price of $6.25, representing a 5% premium to the five-day volume weighted average price of the shares as of the close of trading on Thursday, January 10, 2019;
Air Canada and Chorus will enter into an investor rights agreement under which, among other things, Air Canada will hold the investment shares, for a period of at least 60 months and will participate in Chorus’ dividend reinvestment plan and agree to customary standstill provisions, subject to certain limited exceptions;
On closing of the equity investment, Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Air Canada, Michael Rousseau, will be appointed to the board of directors of Chorus.

Air Canada does not intend to provide further comment pending the ratification process in respect of the tentative agreement between Jazz and ALPA; a news release updating the market will be issued when all the closing conditions to the completion of the foregoing transactions are met.

Fleet:

Top Copyright Photo: Air Canada Express-Jazz Aviation Bombardier CRJ200 (CL-600-2B19) C-FEJA (msn 7983) BWI (Tony Storck). Image: 944193.

Air Canada Regional-Jazz aircraft slide show:

Delta to add Detroit – La Crosse, WI service

Delta Air Lines will add Delta Connection service between the Detroit hub and La Crosse, WI starting on March 2, 2019.

The new spoke route will be operated daily with Bombardier CRJ200 aircraft operated by SkyWest Airlines according to Airline Route.

Top Copyright Photo (all others by SkyWest): Delta Connection-SkyWest Airlines Bombardier CRJ200 (CL-600-2B19) N454SW (msn 7749) SLC (Tony Storck). Image: 933365.

Delta Connection-SkyWest aircraft slide show:

United to offer Redding, CA service

United Airlines is planning to offer daily United Express service connecting the Los Angeles hub with Redding, CA starting on March 8, 2019. According to Airline Route, the route will be operated with SkyWest Airlines CRJ200s.

Top Copyright Photo (all others by SkyWest): United Express-SkyWest Airlines Bombardier CRJ200 (CL-600-2B19) N923SW (msn 7664) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 936854.

United Express-SkyWest aircraft slide show:

United to add three United Express routes

United Airlines is planning to add three domestic United Express routes in early 2019 according to Airline Route:

Denver – Flagstaff daily effective March 31, 2019 operated by Trans States Airlines (ERJ 145)

Denver – Santa Rosa daily effective March 8, 2019 operated by SkyWest Airlines (CRJ200)

Paducah – Cape Girardeau daily effective January 7, 2019 operated by SkyWest Airlines (CRJ200)

Top Copyright Photo: United Express-SkyWest Airlines Bombardier CRJ200 (CL-600-2B19) N905SW (msn 7437) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 941705.

United Express-SkyWest aircraft slide show:

United Express-SkyWest Route Map:

SkyWest Airlines is launching American Eagle flights from Cheyenne to Dallas-Fort Worth in November

SkyWest Airlines has announced it will bring American Eagle flights from Cheyenne to Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW)! The new American Eagle flights, operated by SkyWest, will take off beginning November 4, 2018.

The new route will be operated with Bombardier CRJ200s.

Top Copyright Photo (all others by SkyWest): American Eagle Airlines (2nd)-SkyWest Airlines Bombardier CRJ200 (CL-600-2B19) N955SW (msn 7817) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 930438.

American Eagle-SkyWest aircraft slide show:

Route Map:

American to introduce two new domestic routes

American Airlines is adding two new American Eagle domestic routes from two hubs:

Charlotte – New Haven, CT – weekly CRJ200 service effective December 22, 2018, operated by PSA Airlines

Dallas/Fort Worth – Cheyenne, WY – daily CRJ200 service effective November 4, 2018, operated by SkyWest Airlines

Top Copyright Photo: American Eagle (2nd)-PSA Airlines (2nd) Bombardier CRJ200 (CL-600-2B19) N228PS (msn 7897) CLT (Jay Selman). Image: 403749.

American Eagle-SkyWest aircraft slide show:

SkyWest, Inc. announces second quarter 2018 profit

Second Quarter Highlights:

Net income of $76 million, or $1.43 per diluted share, up from $50 million or $0.95 per diluted share in Q2 2017
Pre-tax income of $98 million, up 21% from $81 million in Q2 2017
New agreement to operate 20 new CRJ900s for Delta Air Lines under a nine-year term, replacing 20 CRJ700s expiring from contract
New agreement to place 20 used CRJ700s with American Airlines under a four-year term
Three-year extension on 19 CRJ700s scheduled to expire in 2019/2020 with United Airlines
New agreement to place 20 internally-sourced CRJ200s under a three-year contract with United

SkyWest, Inc. has reported its financial and operating results for Q2 2018, including net income of $76 million, or $1.43 per diluted share, compared to net income of $50 million, or $0.95 per diluted share for Q2 2017. Q2 2018 pre-tax income of $98 million increased 21% from Q2 2017 and was primarily due to SkyWest’s ongoing fleet transition.

Since Q2 2017, SkyWest added 23 new E175 aircraft and removed 34 CRJ700/CRJ900 aircraft and 32 CRJ200/ERJ145 aircraft.

Commenting on the results, Chip Childs, Chief Executive Officer and President of SkyWest, said “We are focused on remaining disciplined in our execution of fleet solutions that meet the needs of our customers. The agreements and extensions announced this quarter are expected to continue to improve our fleet mix in alignment with our overall fleet transition strategy. I appreciate the dedicated service our professionals consistently provide to our customers.”

Flying Agreement Announcements

Delta:

SkyWest Airlines, Inc. reached an agreement with Delta Air Lines to operate 20 new Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft under a nine-year flying contract. The aircraft will be acquired by Delta under a previously announced agreement with Bombardier and operated by SkyWest Airlines. SkyWest Airlines anticipates placing the 20 CRJ900s into service beginning late 2018 through 2020. These aircraft will have the ATMOSPHÈRE cabin with a 70-seat, dual-class configuration and will replace 20 CRJ700s scheduled to expire under SkyWest’s flying contracts with Delta.

American:

SkyWest Airlines reached an agreement with American Airlines to place 20 used Bombardier CRJ700s under a four-year contract. The 20 CRJ700s are expected to be sourced from within SkyWest’s fleet. The first aircraft in this agreement was placed into service in June 2018 and all 20 aircraft are scheduled to be in service by early 2019.

United:

SkyWest Airlines reached an agreement with United Airlines to extend their existing flying contract on 19 Bombardier CRJ700s operated by SkyWest Airlines. These aircraft previously had contract expirations scheduled for mid-2019/2020 and were extended for three years.

Separately, ExpressJet Airlines, Inc. reached an agreement with United to a three-year contract for 20 used CRJ200s. The 20 CRJ200s are expected to be sourced from within SkyWest’s fleet through contract expirations with other partners scheduled for the second half of 2018. The 20 CRJ200s are expected to be placed into service with United between the latter part of 2018 and early 2019.

Above Copyright Photo: United Express-SkyWest Airlines Bombardier CRJ200 (CL-600-2B19) N479CA (msn 7675) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 941704.

Financial Highlights
Revenue was $806 million in Q2 2018, up from $792 million in Q2 2017. The increase in revenue included the net impact of adding 23 new E175 aircraft and other economic improvements within SkyWest’s fleet mix since Q2 2017, partially offset by the removal of unprofitable or less-profitable aircraft over the same period.

Operating expenses were $679 million in Q2 2018, down from $685 million in Q2 2017. The decrease in operating expenses was primarily due to the reduction in direct operating costs with the net removal of 43 aircraft from service.

The effective tax rate for Q2 2018 was 23% compared to 38% in Q2 2017. The lower tax rate in Q2 2018 was primarily due to the reduced federal rate under the new tax law enacted in Q4 2017.

Operational Update
SkyWest Airlines took delivery of 14 new E175/E175 SC aircraft during Q2 2018. The following summarizes the anticipated delivery dates for three E175 aircraft to be placed under contract with Alaska Airlines and 17 E175 SC aircraft to be placed under contract with Delta for the second half of 2018:

In-service

Scheduled E175/E175 SC

aircraft deliveries

Anticipated
in-service

June 30, 2018

Q3 2018

Q4 2018

Dec 31, 2018

Total E175/E175 SCs:

126

146

ExpressJet continued the previously-announced wind down of its flying agreement with Delta during the quarter. At the end of Q2 2018, ExpressJet had 22 CRJ700s remaining in service under the Delta agreement. ExpressJet continues to engage in discussions around the CRJ700s scheduled to come out of service with Delta later this year and remains positive with alternative opportunities to utilize these CRJ700 aircraft.

ExpressJet anticipates its flying contract with American for 12 CRJ700s scheduled to terminate in early 2019 will not be extended. These aircraft are expected to be returned to the lessors following removal of service with American.

Operating Performance:

Flight completion rates at SkyWest Airlines and ExpressJet for Q2 2018 and Q2 2017 were:

	SkyWest Airlines		ExpressJet
	Q2 2018	Q2 2017	Q2 2018	Q2 2017
Adjusted Completion *	99.9%	99.9%	99.9%	99.9%
Raw Completion	98.9%	98.9%	98.8%	97.6%

* Adjusted Completion excludes weather cancellations. Raw Completion includes weather cancellations.

Capital and Liquidity

SkyWest had $649 million in cash and marketable securities at June 30, 2018, slightly up from March 31, 2018. During the second quarter of 2018, SkyWest:

Used $50 million toward the purchase of 14 E175 aircraft
Used $35 million for other capital investments, including spare engines and aircraft parts

Total debt at June 30, 2018 was $3.0 billion, up $193 million from March 31, 2018, which included debt issued for 14 E175 aircraft acquired during the quarter, partially offset by scheduled principal payments.

United Express-SkyWest aircraft slide show:

Air Georgian announces ratification of first collective agreement with UNIFOR

Air Georgian has made this announcement:

Air Georgian has ratified a three-year collective bargaining agreement with UNIFOR, with 91 percent of members voting in favor of the agreement. Air Georgian and UNIFOR have worked collaboratively to produce this first ever contract, which sets the foundation for a long term positive working relationship.

Unifor represents 90 of Air Georgian’s employees working in maintenance, administration and the flight operations centre at Air Georgian’s Toronto and Calgary bases. The agreement is effective as of June 1, 2018, and positions Air Georgian as a highly competitive employer in the aviation labor market.

Highlights of the industry leading plan include wage increases, performance incentive bonuses, enhanced group benefits and savings programs.

Top Copyright Photo (all others by Air Georgian): Air Canada Express-Air Georgian Bombardier CRJ200 (CL-600-2B19) C-GZJA (msn 8018) YYZ (Jay Selman). Image: 403780.

Air Canada Express-Air Georgian aircraft slide show: