Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation has won an order “in principle” for 100 MRJ regional jets from US regional carrier SkyWest – providing a major boost for Asia’s indigenous aircraft manufacturing sector and nearly doubling the MRJ order book.
SkyWest is the holding company for the two regional air carriers (SkyWest Airlines and ExpressJet Airlines) and operates on behalf of United Airlines, US Airways and Delta Air Lines. delivery is set to start in 2017.
“This agreement is the product of a cooperative partnership that we are confident will create long-term value for both parties. We look forward to the continued development of a long-term relationship with Mitsubishi Aircraft,” said SkyWest president Bradford Rich.
Mitsubishi Aircraft and SkyWest sais they intend to continue their efforts to transform the agreement in principle into a definitive agreement in the coming weeks. The agreement includes deliveries taking place from 2017-2020.
MRJ has received 130 aircraft orders so far including 25 (15 firm, 10 option) from All Nippon Airways Co., Ltd., 100 (50 firm, 50 option) from Trans States Holdings and 5 (all firm) from ANI Group Holdings. This agreement in principle, if developed into a binding purchase order, would increase the number of orders for the MRJ to 230 aircraft.
