US's Mesa Airlines eyes European certification by early 2Q23

United and Mesa reveal CPA fleet arrangements

United Airlines will replace up to thirty-eight E175s in the United Express fleet with the same number of CRJ900s from its regional partner Mesa Airlines (YV, Phoenix Sky Harbor), which starts flying exclusively for United once its capacity provider agreement (CPA) with American Airlines ends on April 3, 2023.

This is according to an internal memo from United's senior vice president Bryan Quigley, seen by ch-aviation. It implied the arrangement was aimed at compliance with so-called scope clauses in United's labour agreement with pilot union Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA) that limits the number and size of aircraft that an airline's regional airline affiliate may fly. Under the United Pilot Agreement, United Express operations are limited to 37-seater turboprops, 50-seater aircraft, and a limited number of 70 and 76-seater aircraft.

"Mesa Airlines recently announced changes in its operation that mean we will replace up to 38 Embraer E175 aircraft in the United Express fleet with up to 38 of their Bombardier Aerospace CRJ900 aircraft. Mesa will begin to wind...

US's CommuteAir updates financials for E175 plans

US's Mesa sells surplus CRJ900s, nears United deal

Mesa Air Group has sold eleven surplus CRJ900s to an undisclosed and unrelated entity, and is nearing a deal with United Airlines (UA, Chicago O'Hare) which could see 38 aircraft of the type placed under an expanded Capacity Purchase Agreement with the airline.

The Mesa Airlines (YV, Phoenix Sky Harbor) parent is also finalising the previously announced sale of its remaining CRJ550s to United. The type is a proprietary conversion of the CRJ700 and is operated exclusively by United.

"Once completed, the proceeds of these two transactions will significantly reduce debt and improve liquidity. Further, Mesa is pursuing other avenues to increase liquidity through the sale of additional surplus aircraft, spare parts, and spare engines. Additionally, Mesa recently negotiated improved terms and conditions with RASPRO, a Canadian special purpose finance company, on its leases for fifteen CRJ900 aircraft, and is finalising an agreement with the Economic Development Corporation of Canada, and MHI RJ Aviation on debt associated with seven CRJ900 aircraft," Mesa Airlines said.

The airline recently...

Austria's Liliair debuts early 2Q23 with Mesa offshoot Flite