Japanese aircraft manufacturer Mitsubishi Aircraft on Thursday announced it has signed a deal with SkyWest, the U.S.-based parent company of SkyWest Airlines and ExpressJet, for at least 100 regional jets. The firm order is valued at approximately $4.2 billion at current list prices.
The deal follows SkyWest’s July announcement that it had committed to buying the new jets.
Mitsubishi said the definitive agreement includes the purchase of 100 MRJ90 aircraft and an option to buy up to 100 additional aircraft. Deliveries of the aircraft are anticipated to commence in 2017, and deliveries of the optional aircraft could begin as early as 2021 if required.
“I am absolutely delighted to have reached agreement on this important partnership,” said Hideo Egawa, President of Mitsubishi Aircraft. “Without a doubt, this is a major order and significant boost for the MRJ program. Mitsubishi Aircraft continues to work hard to deliver our next generation aircraft to our valued customers around the world.”
It is the third firm order for the 90-seat Mitsubishi Regional Jet. All Nippon Airways became the first customer in March 2008 when it signed for 15 MRJ aircraft, plus 10 options. Trans States Holdings, which owns regional airlines Compass Airlines, GoJet Airlines and Trans States Airlines, later signed a firm deal for 50 MRJ aircraft plus 50 additional options.
“SkyWest is pleased to have collaboratively reached a definitive agreement with Mitsubishi Aircraft,” SkyWest, Inc. President Bradford R. Rich said in a statement on Thursday. “SkyWest believes the MRJ, with its significant advancements in fuel economy, passenger comfort, and environmental friendliness, will be a valued addition to our fleet. We are looking forward to strengthening our relationship with Mitsubishi Aircraft.”
