SkyWest Launches Deal with TRIP in Brazil.

After studying various opportunities around the world, SkyWest Inc invested $5 million for a six percent stake in Brazilian regional TRIP Linhas Aéreas based in Campinas, Brazil. Vice President Mike Kraupp said the investment could rise to 20-25 percent of the company with the maximum dollar value at $30 million. However, the airline must meet certain economic and financial targets over the next two to three years.
The privately owned carrier currently operates 19 turboprops including the ATR 42 and 72 as well as the Embraer Brasilia, according to its web site. From its route map, it has a linear route structure, reflecting the less developed code sharing relationships between regionals and mainline carriers throughout the rest of the world. However, it is currently set to add eight additional ATRs as well as five new ERJ 175s. Kraupp indicated the carrier would not be a destination for the CRJ 200s from SkyWest, since TRIP already opted for the larger Embraer equipment because the economics were better.
For now, SkyWest’s role is more advisory, using it’s know how to help the carrier develop and to leverage its purchasing power. For a complete report see the next issue of Regional Aviation News.