Brazil-based aircraft manufacturer Embraer has won a firm order from US-based aviation company SkyWest to sell 20 new E-Jets, which are valued at $914m at current list prices. 

The order includes 15 E175 SC aircraft, which will be configured in 70 seats and feature an E175 airframe that can be retrofitted to 76 seats in the future.

In addition, five 76-seat E175 aircraft will also be supplied under the order.

Deliveries of the aircraft are expected to begin this month and scheduled for completion by the end of next month.

The aircraft will be operated by SkyWest subsidiary SkyWest Airlines following delivery.

The latest agreement has brought the total number of orders received by Embraer from SkyWest this year to 45, including last month’s announcement for 25 new aircraft.

"The order includes 15 E175 SC aircraft, which will be configured in 70 seats and feature an E175 airframe that can be retrofitted to 76 seats in the future."

Additionally, SkyWest has entered capacity purchase agreements with its partners Delta Air Lines and Alaska Airlines to fly the newly ordered aircraft.

The deals will see 15 70-seat Embraer E175 SC aircraft flown in partnership with Delta Air Lines, while the five E175 aircraft are expected to be operated in collaboration with Alaska.

The E175 aircraft will be equipped with 76 seats and will be similar to the aircraft models SkyWest has previously placed into service with Alaska.

SkyWest aims to invest around $161m in cash to complete the purchase of the 45 Embraer aircraft, while the remaining amount is planned to be funded via debt.

Image: An Embraer aircraft. Photo: courtsey of Embraer.