United Airlines (Chicago) has announced that it will launch service with the airline’s new Embraer 175 aircraft on flights between United’s Houston hub at George Bush Intercontinental Airport and Atlanta and New Orleans beginning on June 15, and between Houston and Austin beginning on June 16. United also announced ERJ 175 service between Chicago O’Hare and Minneapolis/St. Paul beginning on June 5; between Chicago O’Hare and Atlanta beginning on June 15; and between Chicago O’Hare and New York LaGuardia beginning on June 23.

The 76-seat ERJ 175 regional jet is the newest addition to the United Express fleet. The aircraft features 12 seats in United First, 16 seats in United Economy Plus and 48 seats in United Economy. United Express carrier Mesa Airlines (Phoenix) will operate the flights between Houston and Atlanta, Austin and New Orleans. United Express carrier SkyWest Airlines (St. George, Utah) will operate the flights between Chicago O’Hare and Atlanta, New York LaGuardia and Minneapolis/St. Paul.

Last month, United announced that SkyWest Airlines will operate ERJ 175 service between Chicago O’Hare and Reagan Washington National beginning on May 17 and between Chicago O’Hare and Boston Logan beginning on May 19.

United Airlines (current): 

Embraer Commercial Aviation (São José dos Campos) rolled out the first E175 (PR-EFG) featuring a range of aerodynamic improvements that reduce fuel burn compared to the previous production aircraft.  The modifications include the introduction of a new wingtip, systems optimization, and streamlining of aerodynamic surfaces.  The aircraft was presented to Embraer employees at a ceremony at the company’s São José dos Campos facility.  The first customer delivery of the E175 with the complete package of modifications is expected in the coming weeks.

The modified E175 aircraft recorded impressive results during several months of performance trials. Fuel consumption on a typical flight is 6.4% lower than the original E175, exceeding earlier-reported savings of up to 5%.

“The 6.4% fuel consumption reduction demonstrates the expertise of our development and manufacturing teams and partners, and our commitment to provide our customers with the best product to keep them competitive,” said Paulo Cesar Silva, President and CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation. “We are delivering, on schedule, an airplane unique to the market. With the most comfortable passenger cabin in the 70 to 90-seat category, the E175 is the airplane with the lowest operating cost in its class.”

With these improvements, the E175 has become a best-seller in its category.  In 2013, four airlines in the USA (Republic Airways, United Airlines, SkyWest Inc., and American Airlines Inc.) placed 177 firm orders, 60 re-confirmable orders and 277 options for the E175.

The versatility of the E175 is evident when compared with 70 to 80-passenger turboprop aircraft.  On routes of more than 250 nautical miles (450 kilometers), the E175 offers better operating economics and greater productivity, as well as superior passenger comfort.

Besides reduced fuel burn, other improvements to the current generation of E-Jets include longer maintenance intervals, increased productivity and lower maintenance costs.  These improvements ensure that the airplane will remain competitive until the second generation of the jet, the E175-E2, goes into operation in 2020 when it will offer even greater operating efficiency.

Copyright Photos: Embraer.

Embraer (São José dos Campos) yesterday (March 27) delivered, in a ceremony held at the Company’s headquarters, in São José dos Campos, the first dual-class 76-seat Embraer 175 (ERJ 175) to SkyWest Inc. (SkyWest Airlines) (St. George, Utah). The aircraft is part of the firm order signed by the airline last year, for 40 E175 aircraft. SkyWest Airlines will operate the aircraft as an United Express carrier for United Airlines. The E175s are configured in a dual-class 76-seat layout.

An additional 60 orders are reconfirmable, subject to SkyWest being awarded Capacity Purchase Agreement (CPA) contracts with major U.S. airline partners. The agreement between SkyWest and Embraer also includes options for another 100 E175s, taking the potential total order up to 200 airplanes.

In a separate deal with Embraer, SkyWest became the launch customer of the E175-E2, ordering 100 aircraft with 100 additional options, for deliveries beginning in 2020.

SkyWest is the largest regional airline group in the world and is the parent company of SkyWest Airlines and ExpressJet Airlines. Both companies have long histories with Embraer and were early customers for the Embraer EMB 120 Brasilia turboprop aircraft. More than 40 EMB 120 Brasilia aircraft currently fly in the SkyWest Airlines network, primarily in the western United States. ExpressJet Airlines operates 251 aircraft of the ERJ 145 family and is the largest ERJ operator in the world.

The new type is due to enter revenue service on May 17, 2014 on the Chicago (O’Hare)-Washington (Reagan National) route.

Copyright Photo: Embraer.

United Express-SkyWest: 

Routes operated as United Express:

Embraer S.A. announced today, at the 2014 edition of the Farnborough International Airshow, that it has received an order for 50 E175-E2 jets from Trans States Holdings, parent company of Trans States Airlines, Compass Airlines and GoJet Airlines. The agreement also includes options for an additional 50 units, taking the total order potential to 100 aircraft. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in June 2020.

The order, which is valued at approximately $2.4 billion at list prices, is subject to certain conditions. It will be added to the Company’s firm order backlog when these conditions are met and final confirmation of the aircraft is received from Trans States.

The Trans States E175-E2s will be configured with 76 seats in a dual-class layout.

The three new E-Jets E2 (E175-E2, E190-E2, and E195-E2) are powered by Pratt & Whitney’s latest generation geared-turbofan engines, have new aerodynamically advanced wings, full fly-by-wire flight controls, and systems advances that will bring lower external noise levels and double-digit savings in fuel burn, maintenance costs, and CO2 emissions.

Previously in 2009 Trans States Holdings had signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Mitsubishi for an order of 100 next-generation Mitsubishi Regional Jet (MRJ) aircraft (50 firm, 50 options).

Trans States Airlines is the fifth largest independent (privately held) regional airline in the United States. It was founded in 1982 as Resort Air. In 1989 the company changed its name to the current Trans States Airlines. GoJet Airlines was established in 2005 by Trans States Holdings to operate contract services for United Airlines under the United Express name with a fleet of 70-seat Bombardier CRJ700 regional jets. In July 2010, Delta Air Lines sold Compass Airlines to Trans States Holdings.

Image: Embraer.

Embraer S.A. has signed an agreement with FDA-Fuji Dream Airlines (Makinohara, Shizuoka, Japan) for a firm order of three E175s with options for an additional three aircraft of the same model.

This order was already included in Embraer’s 2014 second quarter backlog as an “undisclosed” customer. The announcement was made today at the 2014 edition of the Farnborough International Airshow. Three E170s and five E175s are currently in operation with Fuji Dream Airlines.

The newly-ordered E175s will be configured in a single-class layout with 84 seats and will be equipped with the Autoland system to perform CAT III approach and landing in limited visual conditions. The new E175s will also feature recent aerodynamic enhancements introduced by Embraer, such as a new wingtip and other technical improvements that reduce fuel burn.

Created in 2007, FDA started operations with two Embraer E170s. Over the last five years, its all-Embraer fleet has quadrupled. FDA’s fleet is instantly recognizable by its brightly coloured aircraft, some of which are painted green, pink, yellow and purple.

With aircraft based in Nagoya and Shizuoka, FDA links twelve secondary cities in Japan where demand is growing, such as Fukuoka, Sapporo and Hanamaki. Operating almost 50 flights each day, the airline has carried over 2.4 million passengers to date. FDA is part of the Suzuyo Group, which owns a full-flight simulator to provide pilot and fleet engineering training for its staff.

Fuji Dream Airlines was incorporated in June 2008 to be the Suzuyo Group’s air transportation arm. By entering the airline business and building on the convenience of Mt. Fuji Shizuoka Airport, Suzuyo contributes to Shizuoka’s economic development.

Copyright Photo: Akira Uekawa/AirlinersGallery.com. Embraer ERJ 170-200ST (ERJ 175) JA06FJ (msn 17000332) is one of the latest additions to the colorful fleet. Each aircraft is painted in a different color. JA06FJ taxies at the Mount Fuji Shizuoka Airport (FSZ).

FDA-Fuji Dream Airlines: 

A colorful fleet:

Republic Airlines (2nd) (American Eagle) (Indianapolis) on October 2 will start operating Embraer 175s on American Eagle services from the Miami hub to Atlanta, Indianapolis, Jacksonville and Tallahassee. The E175s will replace existing Embraer ERJ 145 service per Airline Route.

Copyright Photo: Brian McDonough/AirlinersGallery.com. Republic’s Embraer ERJ 170-200LR (ERJ 175) N404YX (msn 17000367) completes its final turn on the river approach into Washington’s Reagan National Airport (DCA).

American Eagle-Republic: 

United Airlines (Chicago) today (September 17) announced the company will amend its existing agreement with regional carrier Shuttle America, to add 50 Embraer E175 aircraft. Shuttle America‘s (Indianapolis) parent company, Republic Airways Holdings Inc. (Indianapolis), will determine which of its carriers will operate the new 76-seat aircraft under the United Express brand.

United anticipates deliveries will begin in July 2015 and continue through the summer of 2017. The new aircraft will replace large turboprop airplanes and older, less-efficient aircraft and are in addition to 70 E175s whose deliveries began this year for other carriers to operate as United Express.

E175 Features:

The E175s will offer 12 seats in United First and 64 seats in United Economy, including 16 extra-legroom United Economy Plus seats. The aircraft also offer more personal space for customers, with wider seats and aisles than other regional aircraft; a power outlet at each United First seat; and large overhead bins that can accommodate standard-size carry-on bags.

Additional Fleet Updates:

In addition to expanding the E175 fleet, United plans to make the following changes to its United Express service:

1. Extend the airline’s agreement with Shuttle America on 38 E170s, with new expiration dates beginning in September 2019 and continuing through December 2022; and

2. Begin removing, in 2015, 31 Bombardier Q400s operated by Republic Airlines, a carrier also owned by Republic Airways Holdings Inc. (some of the aircraft will go to Flybe).

In related news, Embraer S.A. and Republic Airways Holdings Inc. (Indianapolis), operator of the largest E-Jets fleet in the world, announced a contract today for the sale and purchase of 50 firm E175 jets. The value of the firm order, which will be included in Embraer’s 2014 third-quarter backlog, is estimated at $2.1 billion, based on 2014 list prices. The aircraft will be operated for United Airlines under the United Express brand. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2015 and extend until 2017.

This contract is in addition to the order signed by Embraer and Republic in January 2013 for 47 firm and 47 option E175s – 34 of which have already been delivered. In addition to the new order, Republic maintains 32 options for E175s.

This transaction is in connection with the transfer of Q400 turboprop airplanes currently operated by Republic Airlines to UK’s carrier Flybe Limited. Concurrently, Flybe and Embraer have agreed to reduce by 20 the outstanding order for 24 E175’s the airline has on order backlog. Therefore, the net increase to Embraer’s backlog in the 3rd quarter will be 30 E175 jets.

Republic Airways was one of the first U.S. carriers to fly Embraer E-Jets, operating its first E170 in 2004. With this new order, the Republic Airways E-Jet fleet will consist of 72 E170s and 151 E175s for a total of 223 E-Jets. Republic Airways is also a long-time customer of the ERJ 145 regional jet family with 41 flying as Delta Connection aircraft.

Finally, United Airlines launched its Mercedes-Benz tarmac transportation service at Denver International Airport, offering chauffeured convenience at more airports than any other carrier. With this expansion, United offers the service at all of its U.S. hub airports.

The Mercedes-Benz tarmac transportation service provides the airline’s top frequent flyers with greater comfort and convenience, offering an additional way for these customers to save valuable time when connecting through the airline’s hubs. United will chauffeur selected Global Services members and United Global First customers to their connections in Denver in a Mercedes-Benz GL350 BlueTEC SUV, powered by environmentally friendly, clean diesel technology.

United representatives will meet customers at the aircraft, escort them to the waiting Mercedes-Benz vehicle and drive them across the tarmac to their connecting flight. The expediting service gives priority to customers with close connections.

United also offers the transfer service at its hub airports in Chicago, Houston, New York/Newark, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Washington Dulles.

Along with tarmac transportation, the airline and Mercedes-Benz USA partner to provide promotional packages and bonus miles to United’s MileagePlus Premier members, which include Global Services members, who purchase or lease certain new Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Current offers are available at united.com/Mercedes.

Earlier this year, United opened a new Global Services reception lobby for its top frequent flyers at the airline’s New York hub at Newark Liberty International airport. In October, the airline will open a Global Services reception lobby at San Francisco International Airport. In June, United unveiled an all-new United Club airport lounge and United Global First Lounge at London Heathrow International Airport’s new Terminal 2, The Queen’s Terminal.

Top Copyright Photo: Ken Petersen/AirlinersGallery.com. Shuttle America currently operates 38 Embraer ERJ 170-100SE aircraft for United Airlines under the United Express brand. N637RW (msn 17000051) arrives at Washington’s Reagan National Airport (DCA).

United Airlines (current): 

United Express-Shuttle America: 

United Express-Republic Airlines (2nd): 

Bottom Copyright Photo: Ken Petersen/AirlinersGallery.com. Republic Airlines (2nd) currently operates 31 Bombardier DHC-8-402s (Q400s) for United Airlines at its hubs. N202WQ (msn 4202) arrives at Raleigh-Durham (RDU).

Envoy Air (American Eagle) (subsidiary of American Airlines Group) (Dallas/Fort Worth) will continue to grow. The pilots, represented by ALPA, have approved the tentative agreement hatched out between the company management and ALPA (MEC) representing the pilots. Envoy issued this statement today:

Pilots at Envoy Air Inc., an American Airlines Group wholly owned regional carrier, have voted to ratify a Tentative Agreement reached between the carrier and the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA). This agreement was ratified by a vote among Envoy’s more than 2,400 pilots and allows Envoy to now offer all existing and future pilots a direct career progression to American Airlines, the world’s largest mainline carrier. In addition, it provides Envoy with a firm fleet commitment of 40 new fuel-efficient 76-seat Embraer ERJ 175 (E175) aircraft and the opportunity to operate up to 90 more E175s, if American exercises those options.

“We are very pleased our pilots voted to ratify the Tentative Agreement that offers them new, large and modern aircraft to fly and faster career advancement at both Envoy and American Airlines,” said Envoy’s president and CEO, Pedro Fabregas. “This agreement also lays the foundation for Envoy to become a stronger and more successful company for all of our more than 14,000 employees. My sincere thanks to Envoy ALPA and its Master Executive Council (MEC), as well as ALPA president Lee Moak, ALPA executive administrator Tim Canoll and MEC chairman Sam Pool for their hard work and dedication to reach this agreement.”

According to ALPA, Envoy Air pilots completed voting on the proposed changes to the Collective Bargaining Agreement. Of the 91.57% of eligible Envoy pilots who voted, 75% voted to accept these changes.

Copyright Photo: Rob Finlayson/AirlinersGallery.com. The Embraer ERJ 145 fleet is likely to continue to shrink as the larger and newer Embraer ERJ 175s join the Envoy fleet. ERJ 145LR (EMB-145LR) N659AE (msn 145762) arrives at the Miami hub.

American Eagle-Envoy Air aircraft slide show:

KLM Cityhopper (Amsterdam) is adding more Embraer E-Jets including 15 Embraer E175+s, a new type for the carrier. Embraer just issued this statement:

Embraer announced today a firm order for 15 E175s and two E190s from KLM Cityhopper, KLM’s regional subsidiary. The contract for the 17 E-Jets also includes an option for 17 additional E-Jets for KLM Cityhopper or Air France regional subsidiary HOP!

Both the E190s and the E175s will be configured in single-class layouts. They will join the 28 E190s already flying with KLM Cityhopper to replace the remaining 19 Fokker F70s that the carrier is phasing out.

The delivery of the first E190 is scheduled to occur by year-end. The first E175 will join KLM Cityhopper’s fleet in the first quarter of 2016. The Air France/KLM group started the process of replacing the Fokker 100 for E-Jets in Regional/Air France and KLM Cityhopper in 2008, in order to enhance the existing network and to permit the development of new routes. When the last aircraft from this order is delivered, Air France/KLM group will have 71 E-Jets, the largest E-Jet fleet in Europe.

The E175s feature a new wingtip that, among other technical enhancements, improves aerodynamic performance. Fuel consumption on a typical flight is 6.4% lower than the original E175. The reduction makes the operating economics of today’s E175s comparable to large-capacity turboprops and presents new opportunities for the E175.

KLM Cityhopper operates around 300 flights a day for KLM. These flights all serve cities within Europe, 54 of which are essentially business destinations. Each day, around 18,000 passengers choose to fly with KLM Cityhopper.

KLM issued this statement:

Arrival of the new Embraers will be coupled with phasing out nineteen Fokker 70s from service. The timing will be synchronised with the delivery of the Embraers. In 2018, the KLM Cityhopper fleet will consist of thirty E190 and fifteen E175+ aircraft. This represents an enormous efficiency gain since the entire fleet will then consist of Embraer aircraft. KLM Cityhopper’s cockpit crews operate both Embraer types.

Additionally, KLM Cityhopper and Hop! have together signed an option for seventeen new Embraers. Increased seat capacity The seat capacity of the KLM Cityhopper fleet will increase with the acquisition of the new Embraers. The E190 is equipped with 100 seats and the E175+ boasts 88 seats. The Fokker 70 offers 80 seats; the middle seat cannot be booked in Business Class.

The fifteen E175+ will be equipped with ultramodern slim seats. The two E190s will be equipped with the same comfortable seats as those in the existing Embraer 190 fleet.

Better fuel efficiency The new Embraer fleet boasts far better fuel efficiency in comparison with the Fokker 70 fleet. The latest E175+ is the most efficient and economical aircraft in the Embraer series. And the aircraft will of course also be delivered in the new KLM livery.

Copyright Photo: The larger Embraer ERJ 190-100STD PH-EZL (msn 19000334) taxies at London’s Heathrow Airport.

KLM Cityhopper aircraft slide show: 

Mesa Airlines (United Express) (Phoenix) yesterday (April 15) celebrated the arrival at its Houston base of its 100th regional jet (the second time around) dressed in United Express colors.

The airline issued this statement and photo:

American Airlines (Dallas/Fort Worth) is further expanding its American Eagle Embraer 175 operations, routes and schedules from its Los Angeles, Chicago (O’Hare), Miami and New York (JFK) hubs per Airline Route. The new routes will be operated by its various partner airlines.

From Los Angeles, effective September 9, E175 service will be started to El Paso, Fayetteville (Northwest Arkansas), Oklahoma City, Salt Lake City and San Jose, California. Service to Phoenix starts the following day.

From Chicago (O’Hare), starting on March 29, E175 service will be initiated to Madison and Richmond. This will be expanded on May 7 with new E175 service to Austin and on June 4 to Memphis.

From Miami, starting on May 7, E175 service will be offered from the MIA hub to various domestic and Caribbean routes by Republic Airlines (2nd) (Indianapolis), replacing Embraer ERJ 145 flights operated by Envoy Air (Dallas/Fort Worth). On May 7, the new type will be operated to Charleston, South Carolina, Norfolk and North Eleuthera. Starting on June 4, the E175 will be assigned to the Fort-de-France, Greensboro, La Romana, Marsh Harbour, Memphis and Port-au-Prince routes. Finally on August 19, the E175 will be operated to Providenciales (Provo) in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

From New York (JFK), new Embraer E175 aircraft will be assigned to the Norfolk route starting on May 7 followed by Indianapolis route on June 4.

Copyright Photo: Mark Durbin/AirlinersGallery.com. As planned, Compass Airlines (Minneapolis/St. Paul) started the Los Angeles – San Francisco E175 Shuttle on April 13. Officially certified as the Embraer ERJ 170-200LR (ERJ 175), N201NN (msn 17000461) taxies at San Francisco International Airport (SFO).

American Airlines aircraft slide show (current livery only): 

American Eagle-Republic aircraft slide show: 

American Airlines (Dallas/Fort Worth) today (June 4) is introducing the 76-seat Embraer 175 (ERJ 175) to the Los Angeles market specifically on the Los Angeles – Vancouver route.

The airline issued this statement today:

American Airlines continues to elevate the flying experience for its customers with more comfort and choice by adding the new two-class Embraer 175 (E175) to its twice-daily, nonstop American Eagle service between two of the world’s most important markets for the entertainment industry – Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Vancouver International Airport (YVR).

Beginning on June 4, 2015, these large 76-seat regional jets will offer customers a more seamless transition between American and American Eagle service, including first-class seating, inflight Wi-Fi and more overhead bin space to accommodate larger carry-on bags.

Compass Airlines (Minneapolis/St. Paul) will operate the E175s on this route.

Photo Above: American Airlines.

The E175 aircraft features a two-class configuration with 12 First Class seats; 20 seats in Main Cabin Extra, offering up to six inches of more leg room; and 44 seats in the Main Cabin. The E175 features Wi-Fi for customers who want to stay connected on their personal devices during flight. Additional modern amenities include leather seating and in-seat power in all cabins. American has firm orders for 60 E175s with options for 90 more and expects 20 of these new E175s to eventually be based out of LAX as new deliveries continue.

Top Copyright Photo: Mark Durbin/AirlinersGallery.com. Operated by Compass Airlines, Embraer ERJ 170-200LR (ERJ 175) N201NN (msn 17000461) taxies at San Francisco International Airport.

American Airlines aircraft slide show (current livery): 

Photo Below: American Airlines.

Embraer S.A. (São José dos Campos) announced today at the 51st International Paris Air Show an agreement with United Airlines (Chicago) to add additional E175 jets to the United Express fleet. The agreement consists of ten firm orders, which will be included in Embraer’s 2015 second-quarter backlog. Additionally, Embraer expects that United or one of the carriers that operates as United Express will convert options for 18 aircraft to firm orders in the near term. The ten firm orders have an estimated value of $444 million based on current list price.

Delivery of the first of these aircraft is expected in 2016. The E175s are configured in a dual class 76-seat layout and will operate under the United Express brand. The carrier’s 76-seat jet fleet will be comprised exclusively of E175s. This latest acquisition is in addition to a previous order from United Airlines for 30 E175s in April 2013.

United’s E175 will be equipped with a 12 First class, 16 Economy Plus Seats, and 48 Economy seats. Wi-Fi will also be included.

The E175s feature a new wingtip that, among other technical enhancements, improves aerodynamic performance. Fuel consumption on a typical flight is 6.4% lower than first-generation E175s. In North America, the E175 is the preferred aircraft of carriers operating 76-seat jets. In the last two years, the E175 has captured over 80% of orders among aircraft in its class from airlines in the USA.

Copyright Photo: Brian McDonough/AirlinersGallery.com. Embraer ERJ 170-200LR (ERJ 175) N110SY (msn 17000405) departs from Washington (Reagan National).

United Airlines aircraft slide show (current livery): 

United Express-SkyWest aircraft slide show:

Embraer S.A. and SkyWest, Inc. (SkyWest Airlines) (St. George, Utah) have announced today at the 51st International Paris Air Show, a firm order for eight E175 jets. The aircraft will be flown by SkyWest Airlines under a Capacity Purchase Agreement (CPA) with Alaska Airlines as Alaska SkyWest. The value of the contract, which will be included in Embraer’s 2015 second-quarter backlog, is estimated at $355 million based on 2015 list prices.

Embraer issued this statement:

This is the second agreement between SkyWest and Alaska Airlines involving the E175. In November of last year, the two companies signed a CPA for seven aircraft of the same model. The first airplane in Alaska Airlines livery enters service next month.

These eight new aircraft are part of SkyWest’s previous order for 100 (40 firm and 60 reconfirmable) E175 current generation E-Jets – with an additional 100 options – placed in May 2013. This reconfirmation brings the total number of firm orders to 55 aircraft. The E175s for Alaska Airlines will be configured with 76 seats and include 12 First Class seats. Delivery for the additional eight E-Jets is scheduled for 2016.

SkyWest is the largest regional airline group in the world and is the parent company of SkyWest Airlines and ExpressJet Airlines. Both companies have long histories with Embraer and were early customers for the Embraer EMB 120 Brasilia turboprop aircraft. In a separate deal with Embraer announced in June of 2013, SkyWest became the launch customer for the E175-E2, ordering 100 aircraft with 100 additional options. Deliveries begin in 2020.

Alaska Airlines also issued this statement:

SkyWest Airlines announced today that they will purchase eight new, dual-class Embraer E175 jets to fly for Alaska Airlines. The new planes, to be delivered in 2016, will replace eight older regional jets SkyWest currently flies for the Seattle-based carrier.

The announcement comes the same month SkyWest takes ownership of the first of seven E175s purchased last fall to be flown for Alaska under a capacity purchase agreement (CPA). The regional carrier will begin flying the planes for Alaska on July 1 with the start of new service from Seattle to both Milwaukee and Oklahoma City, and between Portland, Oregon and St. Louis.

The 76-seat E175 jet will feature 12 seats in first class and 64 in coach. Onboard amenities include Alaska Beyond Entertainment featuring free short subject videos and movies and TV shows for purchase direct to customer devices. Inflight Internet access is also available, as well as Alaska Beyond Delicious which offers Pacific Northwest-inspired food and beverages. Additionally, customers seated in first class will enjoy 110 volt power in every seat.

SkyWest expects to retire its current Bombardier CRJ700 regional jets fleet flying for Alaska by the fall of 2016.

Copyright Photo: Embraer. The pictured Embraer ERJ 170-200LR (ERJ 175) PR-EMP became N170SY (msn 17000483) on delivery.

Alaska Airlines (Seattle/Tacoma) today inaugurates service between Seattle/Tacoma and Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Seattle/Tacoma and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and Portland, Oregon and St. Louis.

The daily flights will be operated by SkyWest Airlines (St. George) with 76-seat Embraer E175 jets (above and below) featuring 12 seats in first class and 64 in coach, and boasting cabin dimensions on par with a 737.

Photo Above: Alaska Airlines.

Onboard amenities will include Alaska Beyond Delicious, featuring food and beverages sourced with items from iconic Pacific Northwest brands, and Inflight Internet access. By mid-July the planes will also be equipped with Alaska Beyond Entertainment, which offers free and premium entertainment direct to customer devices, First class customers will also enjoy power outlets at each seat.

In other news, Alaska Airlines has also announced it is doing away with the standard fee for the first checked bag for Alaska Airlines Visa Signature consumer cardholders.

Top Copyright Photo: Raul Sepulveda/AirlinersGallery.com. The pictured SkyWest Airlines Embraer ERJ 170-200LR (ERJ 175) N171SY (msn 17000485) was delivered via San Juan.

Alaska Airlines aircraft slide show: 

Alaska SkyWest aircraft slide show: 

Alaska Airlines (Seattle/Tacoma) is launching daily nonstop service from its Portland, Oregon, hub to three Midwest destinations including Kansas City, Minneapolis/St. Paul and Omaha, Nebraska, starting on February 18, 2016.

The routes are in addition to new Portland – Austin, Texas service the carrier announced last month.

The daily flights will be operated by SkyWest Airlines (St. George) with 76-seat Embraer E175 jets featuring 12 seats in first class and 64 in coach, and boasting cabin dimensions on par with a 737.

Top Photo: Alaska Airlines.

Alaska Airlines aircraft slide show: 

Alaska SkyWest aircraft slide show: 

Route Map: Routes operated by SkyWest for Alaska Airlines:

United Airlines (Chicago) has announced “complimentary personal device entertainment is now available on regional jet aircraft”. The in-flight entertainment offerings now includes expanded HBO content, Vevo videos and concerts. The company issued these further details:
United Airlines is continuing the expansion of its “United Private Screening” in-flight entertainment with the launch of free personal device entertainment on two-cabin United Express regional jets; expanded HBO programming; and exclusively curated content from Vevo, the world’s leading all-premium music video and entertainment platform.

United currently has one of the largest offerings of free streaming entertainment – already on more than 200 United aircraft – with scores of television shows and movies available for streaming directly to travelers’ laptop computers and iOS and Android mobile devices.

Customers on flights with personal device entertainment may enjoy popular films like “Birdman,” “The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” and the “Taken” trilogy, as well as kid-friendly favorites such as “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day” and “The LEGO Movie.” Hours of popular television shows are also available and may include HBO’s “Veep” and “The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst,” as well as “Mad Men,” “Orange is the New Black” and other hit shows.

Above Photo: United Airlines.

Regional Jet Entertainment and Onboard Experience

United has begun rolling out personal device entertainment on its fleet of more than 120 Wi-Fi-equipped United Express Embraer E170, E175 (above) and Bombardier CRJ700 regional jets, with more than half of these aircraft now offering free streaming entertainment. The airline plans to offer the service on all Wi-Fi-equipped regional jets by the end of next week.

The launch of personal device entertainment on regional jets follows United’s introduction this year of an all-new premium-cabin experience on United Express, featuring freshly prepared meals served on chinaware on regional jet flights of at least 800 miles.

Expanded HBO Content

Additionally, the airline has expanded HBO content on aircraft that offer personal device entertainment as well as on those with seatback on-demand entertainment. Available HBO entertainment includes full seasons of popular television shows such as “Entourage,” “Game of Thrones” and “True Detective.”

Videos and Concert Entertainment from Vevo

United has also joined with Vevo to offer hundreds of music videos and concert performances for customers to view at no charge on United aircraft offering personal device entertainment. Vevo content is also available through seatback on-demand entertainment.

Tribeca Film Festival

Meanwhile, United is in its second year as the official airline of the Tribeca Film Festival. Flights with live television, seatback on-demand entertainment and personal device entertainment offer unique in-flight content curated by Tribeca, including independent feature narratives and documentaries as well as short films.

Tablet Rentals

This summer, United also launched a pilot program offering tablets for rent on Boeing 777 flights between the continental United States and Honolulu and between Honolulu and Guam. The 8.4-inch tablets contain stored entertainment, including television shows, movies and games.

In-flight Entertainment Availability

United aircraft offer several in-flight entertainment options, with Wi-Fi also available on 85 percent of mainline aircraft and regional jets receiving the technology. In addition:

• United plans to install personal device entertainment on more than 650 mainline and regional aircraft, including its intercontinental fleet;
• The airline operates more than 200 intercontinental and p.s. Premium Service aircraft with seatback on-demand entertainment; and
• Another 227 mainline aircraft offer live television, more than any other airline in the world.
  Customers may learn before departure which entertainment option will be available by checking their flight status at united.com or via the United mobile app.

Top Copyright Photo: TMK Photography/AirlinersGallery.com. Embraer ERJ 170-200LR (E175) N86322 (msn 17000465) prepares to land at Toronto’s Lester B. Pearson International Airport (YYZ).

United Express-Mesa Airlines aircraft slide show: 

SkyWest, Inc. (St. George, Utah) announced today that its wholly-owned subsidiary SkyWest Airlines, Inc. (St. George, Utah) has entered into an amendment to an existing Capacity Purchase Agreement with United Airlines, Inc. (Chicago) to operate an additional 18 new Embraer E175 dual-class regional jet aircraft.

The cabin will be a dual-class configuration of 76 seats and will be equipped with Wi-Fi. Under the agreement, it is anticipated that delivery of the aircraft will begin in late 2016, with all 18 aircraft being delivered by mid-2017.

Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com. SkyWest Airlines’ Embraer ERJ 170-200LR (ERJ 175) N124SY (msn 17000439) in United Express colors approaches the runway at Los Angeles.

United Express-SkyWest Airlines aircraft slide show: 

Mesa Airlines, Inc. (Phoenix) has announced the expansion of its agreement with United Airlines (Chicago) to operate three additional Embraer 175 aircraft, bringing the total number of United Express aircraft operated by Mesa to 68. In October, the Company announced an agreement for the addition of 15 new aircraft scheduled for delivery in 2016, which has now increased to 18. Mesa currently operates 30 Embraer E175 aircraft and 20 Bombardier CRJ700 aircraft under the United Express brand.

The E175’s 76-seat dual-class configuration features 12 First-Class, 16 Premium Economy and 48 Coach seats. The aircraft has Inflight Wi-Fi connectivity, leather seating and electric outlets in First Class.

Mesa Airlines currently operates as American Eagle from hubs in Phoenix and Dallas/Fort Worth 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 115 aircraft, with more than 530 daily system departures to 103 cities, 38 states, the District of Columbia, Canada and Mexico.

Copyright Photo: Brian McDonough/AirlinersGallery.com. Embraer ERJ 170-200LR (ERJ 175) N84307 (msn 17000419) departs from United’s Washington Dulles International Airport hub.

United Express-Mesa aircraft slide show: 

Embraer on March 28 delivered the first E175 (5T-CLL) to Mauritania Airlines.

The airline signed a firm order with Embraer for two E175 jets in 2018. The contract has a value of USD $93.8 million.

The second aircraft will be delivered in the second quarter of 2019.

The E175 for Mauritania Airlines is configured with 76 seats in a comfortable dual class layout. The introduction of E175 is part of Mauritania’s fleet modernization, replacing old aircraft and complementing their modern narrow-body aircraft.

Embraer has 100 customers from all over the world operating the ERJ and E-Jet families of aircraft. For the E-Jets program alone, Embraer has logged more than 1,800 orders and 1,500 deliveries, redefining the traditional concept of regional aircraft.

Photos: Mauritania Airlines.