Mesa Airlines Kicks Off March Operating Only Embraer Aircraft
Canadian aircraft have 76 seats, the same number as the Embraer E175-E1.
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At the start of March, U.S. regional carrier Mesa Airlines officially retired its Canadian-built CRJ-900 jets, now flying exclusively with aircraft manufactured in Brazil.
The withdrawal of the Bombardier CRJ-900 was prompted by a requirement from its sole contractor, United Airlines, which outsources Mesa’s services to operate dozens of flights under its regional brand, United Express.
Contract Restrictions Forced the Retirement of the CRJ-900
According to Airways magazine, the Bombardier CRJ-900 was previously operated under Mesa’s contract with American Airlines, flying for the American Eagle brand. However, that agreement ended in 2023. Since then, the CRJ aircraft had been transferred to United operations, creating an issue.
Both the CRJ-900 and the Embraer E175-E1, which now makes up Mesa’s fleet, have 76 seats. However, United Airlines' labor agreement with its pilots includes a Scope Clause, which limits the number of aircraft with more than 70 seats that can be operated by subcontracted regional airlines.
The Scope Clause is designed to prevent excessive outsourcing of U.S. airline crews. With the CRJ-900 joining United Express operations, the airline risked exceeding the limit set by its labor agreement.
Mesa Airlines Now Operates Exclusively with Embraer Jets
To comply with these restrictions, United ordered the removal of the aircraft, and Mesa began retiring its 38 CRJ-900 units last year. The final flight using this model took place on the last day of February.
Going forward, Mesa Airlines will operate exclusively with 60 Embraer E175-E1 aircraft, all serving United Express.
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