Embraer and SkyWest have signed a firm order for nine E175 jets, with deliveries expected to begin in 2019.

The order has a value of US$422 million, based on current list prices, and was already included in Embraer’s 2018 fourth-quarter backlog.

SkyWest Airlines will operate all nine E175s, featuring a 76-seat configuration, alongside Delta Air Lines.

“Since 2013, SkyWest has purchased a total of 158 E175s, including these nine, in order to expand their large existing fleet of Embraer aircraft,” said Charlie Hillis, vice president, sales and marketing, North America, Embraer Commercial Aviation.

“We are extremely proud of their ongoing support for the E-Jets program and the fact that the E175 continues to outperform in North America.

“Without a doubt, the E175 has become the backbone of the regional aviation market in the US.”

Including this new contract, Embraer has sold more than 565 E175s to airlines in North America, since January 2013, earning more than 80 per cent of all orders in this 70-76-seat jet segment.

“We are pleased to continue adding new E175 aircraft under long-term contract to our increasingly efficient, agile and flexible fleet,” said SkyWest chief executive Chip Childs.

“We appreciate Embraer’s strong partnership and remain impressed with the Embraer product.”

SkyWest is a regional airline and the holding company of SkyWest Airlines.

SkyWest holds a long history with Embraer as early customers for the Embraer EMB 120 Brasilia turboprop aircraft.