Dec 19 2012

Bombardier signs LOI for 12 CSeries

Bombardier_logoBombardier announced on December 19th, 2012 that an undisclosed airline based in the Americas had signed a letter of intent to purchase 12 CSeries aircraft. The deal also includes an option for 18 further aircraft.

Bombardier indicated that the airline requested to not have its name revealed at the time of the announcement by Bombardier and the company did not reveal when the LOI might be converted to a firm order.

The agreement announced is in addition to the current order book that Bombardier holds for 138 firm and 352 commitments and options for the CSeries.

Dec 18 2012

MRJ production rate and plans defined

Mitsubishi Regional Jet

Mitsubishi Aircraft announced that it would be planning for an  initial production rate of five MRJ aircraft monthly immediately after the type’s first delivery occurs in 2015. The company noted that it would need to build ten MRJs per month in order to meet its contractual obligations.

Mitsubishi’s assembly base for the  MRJ70 and MRJ90 aircraft will be at the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ Komaki South plant located at the the Nagoya Komaki airport. Mitsubishi is also investigating opening a second assembly line if demand warrants the expansion.

First flight of the MRJ is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2013. SkyWest Airlines recently firmed up an agreement for 100 MRJ90s, and added an option for an additional 100 MRJs. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2017 with the optioned MRJs being delivered from 2021 onwards.

Mitsubishi currently holds 170 firm orders with 160 options on the MRJ program as a whole.

Dec 17 2012

Pinnacle Airlines reaches agreement with pilots to retire CRJ200s for CRJ900s

Pinnacle Airlines LogoPinnacle Airlines announced on December 17th, 2012 that it had reached a tentative agreement with the Air Line Pilots Association who represent the Pinnacle Airlines pilot group. The agreement focused on cost reductions, pay, retirement, work rules and benefits.

As part of these negotiations, an agreement was reached which provides for the addition of 40 CRJ-900s to the Pinnacle fleet. This will result in the airline having a total CRJ-900 fleet of 81 aircraft. Deliveries are scheduled from fall 2013 and are to be completed by the end of 2014. As well, Pinnacle will retire its entire 140 CRJ-200 fleet over the next two to three years.

A vote on the tentative agreement will be held in January 2013 and, if approved, the changes would become effective soon after.

Dec 14 2012

Skywest firms order for 100 MRJs

SkyWest LogoSkyWest firmed its order for 100 Mitsubishi Regional Jets on December 13th, 2012. The airline also placed options for up to 100 additional aircraft.

The order sets the initial 100 MRJs to be delivered as the MRJ 90 version of the aircraft. The announcement also noted that the first aircraft is due to be delivered in 2017 and the last of the initial order to be delivered by the end of 2020. Any options that were taken would be expected to be delivered from 2021 onwards.

SkyWest Airlines operates as United Express, Delta Connection and American Eagle, US Airways Express and operates regional flights for Alaska Airlines.