The fleet includes roughly 430 Bombardier CRJ200s, 700s and 900s, and about 290 Embraer 120s, ERJ-135s and ERJ-145s . Kraupp says SkyWest is having “ongoing discussions” with aircraft manufacturers about fleet replacement.

Another agreement, or agreements, might not happen for 12-18 months, but could be reached earlier “if other parties can come to the table in a similar fashion [as Mitsubishi] and offer attractive deals,” says Kraupp.

The tentative Mitsubishi deal, as well as an agreement for 200 Pratt & Whitney PW1200G engines to power them, underscores the discounts that SkyWest can negotiate that other regional carriers cannot because their fleets are not large enough to accommodate large orders, Kraupp asserts. “We don't think there are others in the market that can drive volume pricing,” he adds.

Kraupp also indicated some flexibility in the maintenance terms for the MRJ aircraft and engines, which are still being worked out as part of a package deal. Financing also is still being discussed, but some adaptability is available there as well, depending on the length of the contracts that SkyWest's major airline partners want to sign regarding the operation of the aircraft.