The merger would create the largest ULCC in the Americas through a combined fleet that could inch close to 500 Airbus narrowbodies during the next five years.

The agreement between Airbus and Quebec also extends the date in which Airbus can buy-back Quebec’s share of the A220 program from 2026 to 2030.

U.S. regional operator SkyWest is cutting planned block hours for 2022 as continuing staffing challenges, including unexpected higher levels of captain attrition, are creating a drag on its operations.