PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mesa Airlines, Inc. announced today that it has reached an agreement in principle, subject to definitive documentation, with Montreal-based Bombardier Inc. for the purchase of seven new CRJ900 NextGen aircraft to operate under a long-term capacity purchase agreement with a major U.S. airline. The aircraft will be purchased new from Bombardier and will bring the total number of CRJ900 aircraft operated by the Company to 64. The Company expects delivery of the seven additional aircraft in 2015. The agreement also includes an undisclosed number of options to purchase additional CRJ-900 aircraft.
Mesa was the launch customer for the CRJ900 aircraft in 2001 and is one of the largest operators of CRJ900 aircraft in the world.
“The CRJ NextGen aircraft is the quietest, most fuel efficient regional jet available today. We are delighted to have the opportunity to order brand new aircraft from Bombardier and place them into service under a long-term capacity purchase agreement,” said Chairman and CEO Jonathan Ornstein. “Building on our core business with American and United, Mesa is now the fastest growing regional airline in the country, creating thousands of new jobs and new opportunities for our people.”
Mike Lotz, President and CFO, added, “We would also like to thank our business partners at Bombardier who have supported us for over 20 years. Ordering these new aircraft will further strengthen the strong bond that exists between our two companies.”
The addition of these seven aircraft and 11 new E-175s scheduled for delivery later this year will bring Mesa’s fleet total to 115 aircraft by October of 2015.
About Mesa Airlines
A multiple-time recipient of Air Transport World’s Regional Airline of the Year Award and ranked No. 1 Regional Airline three consecutive years by the DOT Air Travel Consumer Report, Phoenix-based Mesa Airlines operates as American Eagle and US Airways Express from hubs in Phoenix, Dallas/Ft. Worth and Charlotte (through May 2015) and as United Express from Washington Dulles and Houston. Founded on a mesa in New Mexico in 1982 by Larry and Janie Risley, Mesa currently operates 97 aircraft with more than 400 daily system departures to 91 cities, 36 states, the District of Columbia, Canada and Mexico. The Company has approximately 2,500 employees and plans to hire an additional 1,000 in the next two years. If you are interested in joining our company please see us at www.mesa-air.com.
