MEMPHIS, TN, Apr 30, 2007 (MARKET WIRE via COMTEX News Network) -- Pinnacle Airlines Corp. (NASDAQ: PNCL) ("Pinnacle") announced today
that it has entered into a new capacity purchase agreement with Delta
Air Lines to operate 16 CRJ-900 aircraft as a Delta Connection
carrier. Pinnacle currently expects that the aircraft will be
operated by its wholly owned regional jet subsidiary, Pinnacle
Airlines, Inc.
"We are pleased to welcome Pinnacle to the Delta Connection Program,"
said Wayne Aaron, vice president of Delta Connection. "Their strong
performance, combined with the CRJ-900 aircraft in two-class
configuration that they will be flying, will provide our customers
with a first-rate experience."
"We are excited about this opportunity to join the Delta family,"
said Phil Trenary, Pinnacle's President and Chief Executive Officer.
"We look forward to a long-term partnership with Delta, and we
appreciate the confidence that they have placed with us. We will
continue our tradition of industry leading regional jet operational
performance as we transition into the CRJ-900 aircraft for Delta."
Under the agreement, Pinnacle will directly acquire and finance the
aircraft. Pinnacle will take delivery of the aircraft between
November 2007 and July 2008, with scheduled service as a Delta
Connection carrier beginning in December 2007. The term of the
agreement is for ten years.
The CRJ-900 aircraft, built by Bombardier Aerospace, features 76
seats in a two class configuration, and has operating costs among the
best in its class. The CRJ-900 aircraft is the largest of
Bombardier's CRJ Series family. With over 1,400 total aircraft
delivered, the CRJ Series has developed into one of the leading
regional aircraft product lines worldwide.
Pinnacle Airlines Corp., a publicly traded holding company, is the
parent company of Pinnacle Airlines, Inc. and Colgan Air, Inc.
Pinnacle Airlines, Inc. operates 139 Bombardier CRJ-200/440 Regional
Jets in the United States and Canada as a Northwest Airlink carrier.
Colgan Air, Inc. operates as Continental Connection, United Express
and US Airways Express with a fleet of 39 Saab 340 and 10 Beech 1900
turboprop regional aircraft.
Contact:
Philip Reed
901-348-4257
www.pncl.com
SOURCE: Pinnacle Airlines