I just heard a strange rumor about this topic. Apparently xjt upset embraer a few years ago by making them prepare a factory to produce XR's again but backed out of the deal at the last minute. Skywest went to embraer to shop for a tentative deal on 70+ seat aircraft and were not given a preferential delivery time line. Skywest already has a strong relationship with Bombardier and they are willing to give skywest the most flexibility. This order was put together to secure a more favorable delivery schedule in the future. I dont think an e175 is coming to any company owned by skywest anytime soon.