FARNBOROUGH, Hampshire, England, July 11, 2012 – Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation and SkyWest, Inc., the holding company for the two regional air carriers who conduct the world’s largest combined regional airline operations, are pleased to announce that they have reached an agreement in principle in anticipation of completing a firm order for 100 Mitsubishi Regional Jets (MRJ), laying the foundation for a business relationship leading to Mitsubishi Aircraft’s delivery of MRJs to SkyWest commencing in 2017.
"SkyWest remains committed to providing innovative leadership within the regional airline industry,” said Bradford R. Rich, President, SkyWest, Inc. “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.”
"Mitsubishi Aircraft is absolutely delighted to be expanding its presence in the [regional aircraft] market with an outstanding customer such as SkyWest” said Hideo Egawa, President, Mitsubishi Aircraft, adding "I warmly welcome our friends in St. George to the MRJ family!"
Mitsubishi Aircraft and SkyWest, Inc. intend to continue their efforts to transform the agreement in principle into a definitive agreement in the coming weeks. The agreement in principle contemplates that Mitsubishi Aircraft would commence delivery of the MRJs during 2017 and all 100 MRJs would be delivered before the end of 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.
About Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation
Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation commenced operation on April 1, 2008 to conduct the design, type certification, procurement, sales & marketing and customer support of the Mitsubishi Regional Jet (MRJ). MRJ is a family of 70~90-seat next-generation aircraft featuring state-of-the-art aerodynamics and Pratt & Whitney's revolutionary PurePower® engine to drastically reduce fuel consumption, noise, and emissions, while offering top-class operational benefits, an outstanding cabin and large overhead bins designed for heightened passenger flying comfort. Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation is capitalized at 100 billion yen, with financing furnished by, among others, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd., Toyota Motor Corporation, Mitsubishi Corporation, Sumitomo Corporation and Mitsui & Co., Ltd.
About SkyWest
SkyWest, Inc. 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. (“United”) and Delta Air Lines, Inc. (“Delta”). 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 4,200 daily departures and a fleet of approximately 725 regional aircraft. This press release and additional information regarding SkyWest can be accessed at www.skywest.com
