MESA AIR GROUP INC
10-K, 1996-12-26
AIR TRANSPORTATION, SCHEDULED
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<PAGE>   1
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

                                    FORM 10-K


                  ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
                       OF SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended September 30, 1996                     Commission File
                                                                  Number 0-15495

                              MESA AIR GROUP, INC.
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

                Nevada                                           85-0302351
 (State or other jurisdiction of                              (I.R.S. Employer
  incorporation or organization)                             Identification No.)

  3753 Howard Hughes Parkway, Suite 200, Las Vegas                       89109
       (Address of principal executive offices)                       (Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code:               (702) 892-3733

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:    None


Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

                           Common Stock, no par value
                                (Title of class)

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was
required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days.


                               Yes [ X ]   No  [   ]

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405
of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K. [   ]

The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the
Registrant as of December 6, 1996:
                    Common Stock, no par value: $268,378,620

On December 6, 1996, the Registrant had outstanding 28,250,381 shares of Common
Stock.


                       DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Documents                                                    Form 10-K Reference

Proxy Statement for Annual Meeting of Shareholders
  scheduled in March 1997                                 Part III, Items 11, 12



                                       -1-
<PAGE>   2
PART I

This Form 10-K includes certain forward-looking statements and information that
are based on management's beliefs as well as on assumptions made by and
information currently available to management. When used in this Form 10-K, the
words "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "believe," "seek," "estimate,"
and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking
statements. However, this Form 10-K also contains other forward-looking
statements. Such statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve
certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions which could cause the Company's
future results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking
statements made by or on behalf of the Company. Many of such factors are beyond
the Company's ability to control or predict. Readers are cautioned not to put
undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company disclaims any intent
or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a
result of new information, future events or otherwise. See "FORWARD-LOOKING
STATEMENTS."


Item 1.           Business

GENERAL

Mesa Air Group, Inc. (collectively referred to herein as "Mesa") is the largest
independently owned regional airline in the world (based upon passenger
enplanements), serving 164 cities in 30 states and the District of Columbia.
Mesa has a fleet of 175 aircraft with approximately 1,900 daily departures.

Mesa operates a regional airline utilizing a low-cost hub-and-spoke system under
code-sharing agreements with America West Airlines, Inc. ("America West"),
United Airlines ("United") and USAir, Inc. ("USAir").

Mesa's business strategy is to achieve sustained, profitable growth by utilizing
its low cost structure and focused operating strategies to service routes not
generally served by major air carriers. Mesa implements its strategy by
carefully evaluating market demand on the routes it serves and utilizes its
fleet of aircraft to meet that demand. In addition, Mesa is able to expand the
markets it serves under existing code-sharing agreements with certain of the
major air carriers to benefit from the name recognition, reservation systems and
marketing and promotional efforts of these carriers. Mesa also controls
operating expenses by utilizing a fleet of new and efficient aircraft and by
performing most maintenance and overhaul work at its own facilities. By managing
its fares and flight schedules to increase yields and by developing new markets,
Mesa seeks to maximize gross revenues.


CORPORATE REORGANIZATION

In September 1996, Mesa redomesticated the Company in Nevada. After the
redomestication and corporate restructuring, Mesa Air Group, Inc. now owns Mesa
Airlines, Inc. ("MAI"), a Nevada corporation and certificated air carrier formed
to hold all airline operations; WestAir Holding, Inc., a California corporation
and owner of certificated air carrier WestAir Commuter Airlines, Inc.; Air
Midwest, Inc., a Kansas corporation and certificated air carrier; and various
non-airline operations.

The Company is in the process of revising the management structure to centralize
flight and maintenance controls and management in one location and will switch
from the "division" management system to one focusing on its hubs.

San Juan Pilot Training, Inc. dba Mesa Pilot Development, the Company's pilot
training program, was reincorporated as MPD, Inc., a Nevada corporation. Four
Corners Aviation, Inc. a fixed-base operation at Farmington, New Mexico, has
been reincorporated in Nevada as FCA, Inc.

                                       -2-
<PAGE>   3
The Company created two new corporations as part of the reorganization. Mesa
Leasing, Inc. ("Mesa Leasing") and MAGI Insurance, Ltd. ("MAGI"). Mesa Leasing
is a Nevada corporation established to assist the Company in the acquisition and
leasing of aircraft. MAGI is a Barbados, West Indies- based insurance company
established for the purpose of allowing the Company to attain favorable
insurance rates. It is anticipated that MAGI will be relocated within the United
States during the 1997 fiscal year.


OPERATIONS

Mesa operates as America West Express, Mesa Airlines, United Express and USAir
Express as of December 6, 1996, organized throughout the United States by
code-share and region as follows:


AMERICA WEST EXPRESS

Southwest: 18 destinations out of its Phoenix hub

Mesa has 167 weekday departures out of Phoenix utilizing 15 aircraft: 11
Beechcraft 1900D Airliners ("Beech 1900Ds" or "1900Ds") which carry 19
passengers, two Embraer Brasilia EMB-120 aircraft ("EMB-120s" or "Brasilias")
which carry 30 passengers, and two Fokkers 70s which carry 78 passengers. The
Company plans to replace the two Fokker 70 aircraft with three 50-seat Canadair
Regional Jet 200 aircraft ("CRJs") in 1997. An additional three CRJs are
scheduled to be added in early 1998.


MESA AIRLINES

Southwest: 10 destinations out of its Albuquerque hub

Flying under its own colors as Mesa Airlines, Mesa has 85 weekday departures out
of Albuquerque utilizing six Beech 1900Ds.

South: Proposed jet service from Fort Worth

In May 1997, Mesa plans to begin service utilizing CRJs from Meacham
International Airport ("Meacham") in Fort Worth, Texas to destinations
throughout Texas and the Southwest. Initially, Mesa Airlines intends to offer 11
daily departures with an additional 50 departures projected within a year. Mesa
plans to deploy the first four CRJ aircraft delivered at Meacham. An additional
six aircraft may be added at a later date.


UNITED EXPRESS

Rocky Mountains: 34 destinations out of its Denver hub

Mesa serves the Southwest and Rocky Mountain regions with 204 weekday
departures, utilizing 26 aircraft: 14 Beech 1900Ds, eight Dash 8-200s (plus one
50-seat Dash 8-300 as a spare), and four Brasilias. In 1997, the Company plans
to replace the four Brasilias with new Dash 8-200s.

California: 17 destinations out of its Los Angeles hub and 16 destinations out
of its San Francisco hub

Mesa flies 212 weekday departures out of Los Angeles and 195 weekday departures
from San Francisco, utilizing a total of 37 aircraft: 21 British Aerospace
Jetstream 31 aircraft ("BAe Jetstream 31s" or "J31s") which carry 19 passengers,
and 16 Brasilias.

                                       -3-
<PAGE>   4
Pacific Northwest: 11 destinations out of its Portland and Seattle hubs

Mesa has 194 weekday departures in the Northwest, utilizing 14 Beech 1900Ds.


USAIR EXPRESS

Northeast: 11 destinations out of its Boston hub

Mesa operates 70 weekday departures out of Boston to cities in Massachusetts,
Maine, New Hampshire, Connecticut and Pennsylvania, utilizing 11 Beech 1900Ds.

Mid-Atlantic: 18 destinations out of its Philadelphia hub and 17 out of its
Pittsburgh hub

The Company serves the Mid-Atlantic states with 258 weekday departures,
utilizing 26 Beech 1900Ds.

Southeast: Nine destinations out of its Tampa hub, nine destinations out of its
Orlando hub and eight destinations out of its New Orleans hub

Mesa has 249 weekday departures in the states of Florida, Alabama and North
Carolina and 54 weekday departures out of New Orleans, utilizing a total of 29
aircraft: 19 Beech 1900Ds and 10 Brasilias.

Central: 16 destinations out of its Kansas City hub

In the Central states Mesa has 158 weekday departures out of Kansas City,
utilizing 13 Beech 1900Ds.


                                       -4-
<PAGE>   5
MESA AIRCRAFT BY HUB AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 1996


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            BEECH          EMB-                                     Fokker
                                            1900            120          DASH 8         J31           70
                                        -------------  ------------- -------------- ------------ -------------
<S>                                      <C>             <C>           <C>           <C>         <C>
Denver                                       14              4             6
Los Angeles                                                  5                           13
San Francisco                                               11                           8
Portland/Seattle                             14
Boston                                       12
Philadelphia                                 11
Pittsburgh                                   14
Tampa/Orlando/New Orleans                    19             10
Kansas City                                  13
Phoenix                                      11              2                                         2
Albuquerque                                   6
                                        -------------  ------------- -------------- ------------ -------------
         TOTAL:                              114            32             6             21            2
                                        -------------  ------------- -------------- ------------ -------------
</TABLE>


In addition to carrying passengers, Mesa carries freight and express packages on
its passenger flights and has interline small cargo freight agreements with
virtually all other carriers. Mesa has contracts with the U.S. Postal Service
for hauling mail by air to the cities it serves and occasionally operates
charter flights when aircraft are not otherwise utilized for scheduled service.
Mesa also owns and operates MPD, Inc., providing flight training as "Mesa Pilot
Development" in coordination with San Juan College in Farmington, New Mexico. In
April 1992, Mesa acquired FCA, Inc., a fixed based operator located in
Farmington, New Mexico which operates as Four Corners Aviation. Another
subsidiary, Regional Aircraft Services, Inc., performs component overhaul and
repairs at a facility in Reading, Pennsylvania. Desert Turbine Services, based
in Farmington, New Mexico, provides power plant and component repair,
maintenance and overhaul services for Mesa's airline divisions and subsidiaries.


CODE-SHARING

Approximately 95 percent of Mesa's consolidated revenues are derived from
operations associated with codesharing agreements with America West, United and
USAir. These code-sharing agreements allow use of the code-sharing partner's
reservation system and flight designator code to identify flights and fares in
the computer reservation system, permit use of the logo, service marks, exterior
aircraft paint schemes, and uniforms similar to the code-sharing partners and to
provide coordinated schedules, joint advertising and through fares. In addition,
Mesa participates in the respective partners' frequent flyer programs. Mesa's
passengers receive mileage credits in the respective frequent flyer programs,
and credits in those programs can be used on Mesa's flights.

Mesa has two separate code-sharing agreements with United and three separate
code-sharing agreements with USAir. Although the terms of each of the
code-sharing agreements with a particular code-sharing partner are quite
similar, each agreement relates to a separate division and has a different
expiration date. Renewal of one code-sharing agreement with a code-sharing
partner does not guarantee the renewal of any other codesharing agreement with
the same code-sharing partner.

The code-sharing agreements provide for terms of nine to 10 years with respect
to America West (expires in 2004), five to 10 years with respect to United
(expire in 1998 in the Los Angeles and San Francisco hubs and in 2005 in the
Denver, Portland and Seattle hubs) and nine to 10 years with respect to USAir
(expire in 2000 in Kansas City hub, 2003 in Pittsburgh hub and 2004 in New
Orleans, Boston,

                                      -5-
<PAGE>   6
Philadelphia, Tampa and Orlando hubs). Although the provisions of the agreements
vary, generally they are subject to cancellation should Mesa fail to meet
certain operating and performance standards, the breach of other contractual
terms and conditions, and, in the case of the USAir code-sharing agreements,
upon six months' notice by either party. In connection with the extension of its
code-sharing agreement with United until 2005, Mesa agreed not to enter into any
new code-sharing agreement relating to services to and from Denver, Chicago,
Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, Portland, San Francisco or Seattle. Other than
the code-sharing agreement with United, which restricts United from competing
with Mesa in certain markets by aircraft with less than 101 seats of capacity,
the code-sharing agreements do not prohibit the major carrier from serving
routes served by Mesa. A termination of any of Mesa's code-sharing agreements
with America West, United or USAir would have a material adverse effect on
Mesa's business.


THE REGIONAL AIRLINE MARKET

The regional airline industry has grown rapidly since airline deregulation in
1978 and airline enplanements have increased fivefold to 57.2 million
passengers. This growth has included considerable consolidation and expanded
relationships between the major and regional airlines.

The airline industry is now divided into three primary groups: the major
airlines (88 percent of industry revenues), the regional airlines (seven
percent) and the low-fare airlines (five percent). Each airline group maintains
a distinct niche in the industry. The major airlines carry connecting and
longer-distance passengers, catering to more service- and convenience-oriented
business travelers. The regional airlines operate primarily in low-density
markets and feed business and leisure travelers to the hubs of their codesharing
partners. The regional segment is defined by markets with low traffic density
and the use of turboprop and regional jet aircraft. Competition from the majors
and low-fare carriers in the regional market is limited because traffic density
is generally insufficient for profitable operation of traditional narrow-body
jet aircraft. Low-fare airlines such as Southwest Airlines and Carnival focus on
leisure and price-sensitive business travelers, providing point-to-point service
in medium- to high-density markets. The low-fare airlines utilize traditional
narrow-body jet aircraft with 113 to 164 seats and tend to operate only in
markets where higher traffic volumes allow their low fares.

The regional airline market has undergone substantial consolidation, from 250
operators in 1981 to 124 in 1995. The remaining air carriers are generally
stronger and more sophisticated. The large regionals all maintain code-sharing
relationships with at least one major airline. Under these arrangements, the
regional carriers' flights appear under the name of the major airline. This
provides a substantial marketing advantage and allows the regional carrier to
offer special fares and receive priority computer reservation system displays.
Totally independent regional carriers account for only a marginal amount of
regional passenger traffic in the United States. In the absence of marketing
relationships with major airlines, these operators limit themselves to small
niche areas.

INDUSTRY GROWTH

Since 1984, passenger enplanements for regional air carriers have grown from
26.1 million to 57.2 million in 1995. Revenue passenger miles have increased
similarly from 4.17 billion to 12.8 billion over the same period. The number of
aircraft operated by regionals in 1984 was 1,747 compared to 2,138 in 1995. This
growth is expected to continue with the RAA forecasting for 2,700 regional
aircraft by 2005 with most of the growth originating in the 30- to 50-seat
segment. As major airlines continue to eliminate routes which are unprofitable
under their cost structures, regional airlines will expand their operations.
Lacking the higher labor costs and large corporate cultures of the majors,
regional airlines operate very efficient systems which can respond swiftly to
changing markets.

MARKET FACTORS

The key factors supporting the regional airline market are:

                                       -6-
<PAGE>   7

    -          Service in low-density markets which remain unattractive to major
               airlines and low-fare carriers;

    -          Relationships with the major airlines, operating feeder service
               to hubs for connecting passengers under code-sharing
               arrangements;

    -          Allocation of new-generation, lower-cost turboprop aircraft to
               routes that were traditionally jet routes;

    -          Ability to provide complementary service in existing major
               airline markets by operating flights in scheduling gaps between
               those of the major air carrier; and

    -          Lower costs than a major airline operating a similar route due to
               lower wages, more flexible work rules and more suitable aircraft
               for that particular route.


CORPORATE STRATEGY

Mesa's business strategy is to operate a competitive and profitable, low-cost,
high-frequency, quality-service airline, primarily with a hub-and-spoke route
system. The strategy is implemented through a disciplined approach to the
regional airline business which incorporates (i) the previously discussed
regional diversification, (ii) a focus on profitable markets, (iii) consolidated
operations, and (iv) a modern, efficient aircraft fleet that positions the
airline to be able to capitalize on future growth opportunities.

Mesa's market selection process is completed through an in-depth analysis on a
route-by-route basis. Agreement is then reached where appropriate with Mesa's
code-share partners regarding the level of service and fares. This selection
process enhances the likelihood of profits in a given market. In the event
expectations are not met in a particular region, Mesa can usually relocate
aircraft and personnel to another region. For example, in early November 1996,
eight 1900Ds were transferred from Los Angeles to serve routes in the Pacific
Northwest, and eight J31s were transferred from routes in the Pacific Northwest
to the Los Angeles hub. Also, five Brasilias were added to service routes out of
Los Angeles.

Mesa demonstrated its focus on profitability by its response to difficulties at
its subsidiary WestAir Holding, Inc. ("WestAir"). Competition on the West Coast
and high labor costs had contributed to lower earnings at WestAir in fiscal
1995. By (i) reducing capacity approximately 20%, (ii) negotiating reduced cost
of operating leases on 21 J31 aircraft leased from the manufacturer and (iii)
negotiating a higher fee per departure with its code-sharing partner in Los
Angeles, the Company increased its earnings in fiscal 1996 from that realized in
fiscal 1995.


AIRLINE OPERATIONS

Mesa recently announced a consolidation and centralization plan for its
dispatch, flight operations and maintenance programs, bringing regional
operations into its headquarters. The consolidation plan was prompted by an
agreement with the FAA and in anticipation of future Company expansion and
conversion from an FAR Part 135 to an FAR Part 121 air carrier.

The centralization and growth of Mesa will require an expansion of MAI's
corporate headquarters facility. The Company has reviewed alternatives to
determine the best location for its headquarters and a consolidated
training facility to accommodate MAI's size, its new jet operations and its
geographic diversity. Following the review, the Company has decided to keep
MAI's headquarters in Farmington, New Mexico while locating its primary training
academy in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex. A specific location for the training
academy has not yet been finalized.

                                       -7-
<PAGE>   8
This action will serve to consolidate the Company's training in one central
location instead of having several locations throughout the United States. The
Company believes that this action will result in greater consistency and quality
of training of its flight crewmembers and ground personnel.

Mesa is gradually consolidating its fleet by aircraft type. The Company plans to
eventually replace all J31s and EMB-120s, reducing the type of aircraft operated
to three: 1900Ds, Dash 8-200s and CRJs. Mesa intends to phase out the J31s as
they come off lease between 1998 and 2004, leaving the Beech 1900Ds as the
19-seat aircraft fleet type. EMB-120s will be replaced by Dash 8s and the CRJs,
and all remaining EMB-120s will be redeployed to the Los Angeles and San
Francisco hubs. The Fokker 70s will also be replaced by the new CRJs.

Mesa has also been consolidating aircraft bases and certain maintenance
facilities. The Company previously operated a combination of J31s and 1900Ds
that required multiple maintenance bases in both the Northwest and in
California. In early November 1996, the Company transferred aircraft creating a
uniform 1900D fleet in the Northwest and a uniform J31 fleet in California. This
allowed the closing of two maintenance facilities, the J31 maintenance base in
Eugene, Oregon and the 1900D maintenance base in Bullhead City, Arizona.


MESA'S JET SERVICE

Mesa recently announced an order for 16 CRJs with 50 passenger seats as well as
options for up to an additional 32 aircraft. Deliveries of the CRJs will begin
in early 1997. In conjunction with the CRJ commitment, Mesa will trade in 12
Embraer Brasilias. The Company has been successful in utilizing jet aircraft on
selected routes during the last 18 months.

Mesa has selected the CRJ to meet the requirements of a market niche in Fort
Worth currently not served and to expand jet service for its America West
Express service out of Phoenix, Arizona. The Company plans to use the first four
aircraft delivered to initiate service at Fort Worth's Meacham International
Airport ("Meacham") beginning in May 1997. Mesa believes that Meacham, which is
not currently utilized by scheduled air carriers, offers a unique market niche
necessary to operate a successful, stand-alone airline operation. Fort Worth has
a population of approximately 1.1 million people with about 70 percent of them
living significantly closer to Meacham than Dallas/Fort Worth International
Airport or Love Field. The CRJ can efficiently and comfortably serve both short
and long routes from Fort Worth and will attract customers who demand jet
service. Although customers will have to alter current travel habits, the
proximity and convenience of Meacham should foster the change. By 1998, the
Company plans to provide service out of Meacham with 10 of its 16 CRJ aircraft.

As of December 7, 1996, Mesa and the City of Fort Worth had not reached a final
agreement for the lease of terminal facilities. While the Company believes the
remaining issues will be favorably resolved with the City of Fort Worth, there
can be no assurance an agreement will be reached. If an agreement is not
reached, the Company intends to establish an independent operation based at
other locations it has considered and deploy jets in its America West Express or
other code-share operations.

After initiating service at Meacham or at another location with the first four
CRJs delivered to Mesa, Mesa plans to use the next three jets delivered in the
America West Express operation in Phoenix, replacing two Fokker 70 aircraft
which are currently used on successful routes. The Company expects to add three
additional CRJ aircraft to the America West Express operation by 1998, which
will further expand jet capacity in a growing market. Mesa is also optimistic
that future opportunities exist for other code-share partners to benefit from
the jet service strategy.

MARKETING

                                       -8-
<PAGE>   9



Under Mesa's code-sharing agreements, America West, United, and USAir (the major
partners) coordinate advertising and public relations within their respective
regions. In addition, Mesa benefits from the major partners' advertising
programs in regions outside those served by Mesa, with the major partners'
customers becoming customers of Mesa as a result of through fares. Under these
code-sharing arrangements, Mesa's passengers also benefit from through-fare
ticketing with the major partners and greater accessibility to Mesa's flights on
computer reservation systems and in the Official Airline Guide.

Mesa's services are promoted through listings in computer reservation systems
and the Official Airline Guide and through direct contact with travel agencies
and corporate travel departments. Mesa participates in shared advertising with
resort and rental property operators and ski areas in leisure markets in which
it operates. Mesa's non-code-share operation, Mesa Airlines, utilizes SABRE, a
computerized reservation system widely used by travel agents, corporate travel
offices and other airlines. The reservation systems of Mesa's codesharing
partners are also utilized in each of Mesa's other operations through their
respective code-sharing agreements. Mesa also pays booking fees to owners of
other computerized reservation systems based on the number of passengers booked
by travel agents using such systems. Mesa believes that it has good
relationships with the travel agents handling its passengers.


FARES

Since 1978, airlines in the United States have been free to set their own
domestic fares without governmental regulation. Mesa derives its passenger
revenues from a combination of local fares, through fares and joint fares. Local
fares are fares for one-way and round-trip travel provided by Mesa within its
route system. Local fares are also frequently used by passengers connecting with
other carriers. A through fare is a fare offered to passengers by either America
West, United or USAir which generally provides cost savings to the passenger who
transfers to the major carrier's code-sharing partner on routes flown by the
code-sharing partner. Through fares are prorated in accordance with standards
specified in the various code-share agreements. Joint fares are single fares for
travel combining flights with Mesa and other airlines which are not code-sharing
partners with Mesa. With joint fares, the passenger generally pays a single
lower fare than the sum of the local fares charged for the combined flights.
Mesa has been able to negotiate joint-fare arrangements with major carriers as
an additional means of deriving passengers connecting through its hub cities.


COMPETITION

The airline industry is highly competitive and volatile. Airlines compete in the
areas of pricing, scheduling (frequency and timing of flights), on-time
performance, type of equipment, cabin configuration, amenities provided to
passengers, frequent flyer plans, travel agents' commissions and the automation
of travel agents' reservation systems. Further, because of the Deregulation Act,
airlines are currently free to set prices and establish new routes without the
necessity of seeking governmental approval. At the same time, deregulation has
allowed airlines to abandon unprofitable routes where the affected communities
will not be left without air service. See "Essential Air Service Program" on
page 11.

Mesa believes that the Deregulation Act facilitated Mesa's entry into scheduled
air service markets and will allow it to compete on the basis of service and
fares. The Deregulation Act, however, makes possible the entry of other
competitors which have substantial financial resources and experience, creating
the potential for intense competition among regional air carriers in Mesa's
markets.

As discussed earlier, Mesa believes its code-sharing agreements provide a
significant competitive advantage in hub airports where its major partner has a
predominant share of the market. The ability to control connecting passenger
traffic by offering a superior service makes it very difficult for other
regional airlines to compete at such hubs. In addition to the enhanced
competitive edge offered by the code-sharing

                                       -9-
<PAGE>   10
agreements, Mesa competes with other airlines through offering frequent flights,
flexible schedules, numerous fare levels and low aircraft operating cost.


FUEL

During its operating history, Mesa has experienced few problems with the
availability of fuel, and it believes that it will be able to obtain fuel
sufficient to meet its existing and anticipated future requirements at
competitive prices. Standard industry contracts do not generally provide
protection against fuel price increases, nor do they ensure availability of
supply. Increased fuel costs during the Company's fiscal 1996 year have had an
impact on the profitability of the airline market in general and on the Company
in particular. The extent and the duration of fuel price increases are not
predictable; however to the extent that fuel price increases cannot be passed on
to the customer they are absorbed as an additional expense by the Company.


MAINTENANCE OF AIRCRAFT AND TRAINING

All mechanics and avionics specialists employed by Mesa have the appropriate
training and experience and hold the required licenses issued by the FAA. Using
its own personnel and facilities, Mesa maintains its aircraft on a scheduled and
"as-needed" basis. Mesa emphasizes preventive maintenance and checks its
aircraft engines and airframes as required. Mesa has also developed an inventory
of spare parts specific to the aircraft it flies and has instituted a
computerized tracking system to increase maintenance efficiency and to avoid
excess inventories of spare parts.

Mesa provides periodic in-house and outside training for its maintenance and
flight personnel and also takes advantage of factory training programs that are
offered when acquiring new aircraft.


INSURANCE

Mesa carries types and amounts of insurance customary in the airline industry,
including coverage for public liability, passenger liability, property damage,
aircraft loss or damage, baggage and cargo liability and workers' compensation.

During 1996, Mesa created a captive insurance company, MAGI Insurance, Ltd., to
handle baggage and freight claims in addition to a portion of Mesa's aviation
insurance.


EMPLOYEES

Mesa currently has approximately 4,000 employees. Mesa's success is in part
dependent upon its ability to continue to attract and retain qualified
personnel. In the past Mesa has had no difficulty attracting qualified personnel
to meet its requirements.

Pilot turnover at times is a significant issue among regional carriers when
major carriers are hiring experienced commercial pilots away from regional
carriers. Mesa is working with its wholly owned subsidiary, MPD, Inc. dba Mesa
Pilot Development, to train sufficient numbers of new pilots to maintain
adequate staffing in its operations. No assurance can be given, however, that
pilot turnover will not become a major problem in the future, particularly if
major carriers expand. Similarly, there can be no assurance that sufficient
numbers of new pilots will be available to support any future growth even if
pilot turnover does not become a major problem for Mesa.

During November 1996, Mesa reached a five-year agreement with the Air Line
Pilots Association (ALPA) for a single pilot contract for Mesa Airlines, Inc.
and Air Midwest, Inc. The contract provides for industry-average pay, economic
work rules and excellent opportunities for advancement. This contract will
result in

                                      -10-
<PAGE>   11
additional annual pilot payroll expense of approximately $3.1 million. WestAir
pilots are also represented by ALPA and are currently in federal mediation
regarding their contract negotiations. Air Midwest mechanics are represented by
the International Association of Machinists (IAM), flight attendants at WestAir
and Mountain West, a division of Mesa Airlines, Inc., are represented by the
Association of Flight Attendants (AFA). No other Mesa subsidiaries are parties
to any other collective bargaining agreement or union contracts.


ESSENTIAL AIR SERVICE PROGRAM

The Deregulation Act allows airlines freedom to introduce, increase, and
generally reduce or eliminate service to existing markets. Under the Essential
Air Service program, which is administered by the U.S. Department of
Transportation ("DOT"), certain communities that received scheduled air service
prior to the passage of the Deregulation Act are guaranteed specified levels of
"essential air service." The DOT may authorize federal subsidies to compensate a
carrier for providing essential air service in otherwise unprofitable or
minimally profitable markets.

Mesa serves several subsidized Essential Air Service communities in its
operations. Mesa also serves a number of unsubsidized Essential Air Service
communities. The Essential Air Service subsidy orders are normally issued for a
period of one or two years. Mesa received $3.5 million, $5.4 million, and $5.5
million in subsidy payments in fiscal 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. This
represented 0.7 percent, 1.2 percent, and 1.4 percent of operating revenues in
1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

An airline providing essential air services is required to give the DOT 90 days'
advance notice before it may terminate or reduce service. The DOT may require
the continuation of existing service until a replacement carrier is found, but
in that event it must compensate the carrier for actual losses sustained in
continuing to serve the community during this period.

In November 1995, Congress reduced the federal program subsidizing service to
small communities (the Essential Air Service program). The DOT unilaterally
reduced funding to all Essential Air Service markets by 20 percent following the
Congressional action. While the revenue from this program is less than one
percent of Mesa's total revenue, Mesa believed this action by the DOT was
illegal and began legal proceedings to recover its damages caused by the DOT's
action. Mesa prevailed in the litigation which then allowed Mesa to leave the
affected markets. Mesa is currently documenting its monetary damages for
submission to the government.


REGULATION

As an interstate air carrier, Mesa is subject to the economic jurisdiction of
and regulation by the DOT, which became responsible for most of the continuing
functions of the Civil Aeronautics Board on January 1, 1985, and the FAA under
the Federal Aviation Act of 1958, as amended (the "1958 Act"). Although economic
regulation of the airline industry has been considerably diminished by the
Deregulation Act, the DOT continues to exercise certain economic regulatory
jurisdiction over airlines. In October 1990, Mesa Airlines, Inc. became a
certificated air carrier under Section 401 of the 1958 Act. Previously, Mesa
Airlines, Inc. operated under an exemption from the certificate requirement. The
DOT is authorized to establish consumer protection regulations to prevent unfair
methods of competition and deceptive practices, to prohibit certain pricing
practices, to inspect a carrier's books, properties and records, and to mandate
conditions of carriage. The DOT also has the power to bring proceedings for the
enforcement of the air carrier economic regulations under the 1958 Act,
including the assessment of civil penalties, and to seek criminal sanctions.
Mesa has recently undergone a routine informal fitness review under direction of
the DOT. No further actions have been taken as a result of this review.

                                      -11-
<PAGE>   12
During September 1996, the Department of Transportation (DOT) requested
supplemental information from Mesa as part of its continuing fitness review
obligations. The DOT has stated the request was made because of the Company's
expansion into jet service. Mesa has supplied all requested information, and it
does not anticipate any action will be taken by the DOT.

Mesa is subject to the jurisdiction of the FAA with respect to its aircraft
maintenance and operations, including equipment, ground facilities, dispatch,
communication, training, weather observation, flight personnel and other matters
affecting air safety. To ensure compliance with its regulation, the FAA requires
airlines to obtain an operating certificate which is subject to suspension or
revocation for cause, and provides for regular inspections.

During December 1995, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced rules
which require commuter airlines with aircraft of 10 or more passenger seats
operating under FAR Part 135 rules to begin operating those aircraft under FAR
Part 121 regulations by the end of March 1997. Mesa is one of the largest
regional airlines operating under FAR Part 135 regulations. In anticipation of
Mesa's conversion to FAR Part 121 and to address issues raised in past
inspections, the FAA began a special review of Mesa's operations in June 1996.

As a result of the special review by the FAA of Mesa's operations, a consent
order was signed in September 1996 assessing a compromise civil penalty of
$500,000. Mesa paid $250,000 of the compromise amount, and the remaining
$250,000 will be waived upon Mesa complying with provisions of the consent
order. Under the consent order, Mesa has agreed to adopt operational standards
that exceed the requirements of the Federal Aviation Regulations. The consent
order requires that control of operational areas (maintenance, flight operations
and training) be consolidated under one central management team. The Company has
until March 1997 to complete the specified tasks, and as of December 6, 1996 was
on or ahead of the schedule set forth in the order.

Based on the required conversion to FAR Part 121 and the provisions of the FAA
consent order, Mesa anticipates a one-time capital expenditure of approximately
$1.0 million in fiscal 1997 to bring all aircraft currently being operated by
Mesa into compliance with the enacted FAR Part 121 rules. In addition, Mesa
presently anticipates ongoing operational costs in order to comply with the FAR
Part 121 rules and consent order of approximately $2.5 million per year.

Recent events in Mesa's Denver system have resulted in many consumer complaints
regarding the quality of service in that system. A United States Senator and two
Congressmen from Colorado have also complained publicly about the service in the
Denver system and requested a Congressional investigation regarding the service
level there.

In response to these concerns, Mesa has made significant efforts to improve the
Denver situation including hiring additional customer service personnel and
placing spare aircraft with flight crew in Denver to assist in reducing
flight cancellations. These actions have reduced the operational problems in
Denver. The Company has retained the services of a public relations firm and a
government affairs firm to address its relationships with local communities and
government representatives. The Company has received no further indication that
a Congressional investigation regarding the service level in Denver will occur.

Mesa is subject to the jurisdiction of the Federal Communications Commission
regarding the utilization of its radio facilities and to the jurisdiction of the
United States Postal Service with respect to carriage of United States mail.
Local governments in certain markets have adopted regulations governing various
aspects of aircraft operations including noise abatement and curfews.


Item 2.           Properties

                                      -12-
<PAGE>   13
Mesa's primary property consists of aircraft used in the operation of the
business. The following table lists the aircraft operated by Mesa as of
September 30, 1996:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            Number of Aircraft
                             ------------------------------------------------
                                                                                 Passenger
Type of Aircraft                  Owned          Leased            Total         Capacity
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                              <C>              <C>             <C>              <C>
Beechcraft 1900                    100              14              114              19
Embraer Brasilia                     2              30               32              30
BAe Jetstream 31                                    21               21              19
Dash 8-200                                           5                5              37
Dash 8-300                                           1                1              50
Fokker 70                                            2                2              78
                             -----------------------------------------------
Total                              102              73              175
                             -----------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

See "Management's Discussion and Analysis - Liquidity and Capital Resources"
regarding aircraft commitments.


                                      -13-
<PAGE>   14
In addition to aircraft, Mesa has office and maintenance facilities to support
its operations. The facilities are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
     Type                       Location                      Ownership             Approximate Size
     ----                       --------                      ---------             ----------------

<S>                             <C>                           <C>                   <C>
     Office                     Farmington, NM                Owned                  18,000   sq. ft.
     Training/Dorm              Farmington, NM                Owned                  16,000   sq. ft.
     Hangar                     Farmington, NM                Leased                 30,000   sq. ft.
     Engine Shop                Farmington, NM                Leased                  6,000   sq. ft.
     Hangar                     Fresno, CA                    Leased                 50,000   sq. ft.
     Offices                    Fresno, CA                    Leased                 20,000   sq. ft.
     Warehouse/Office           Fresno, CA                    Leased                 21,750   sq. ft.
     Hangar                     Eugene, OR                    Leased                  7,200   sq. ft.
     Hangar/Office              Wichita, KS                   Leased                 30,000   sq. ft.
     Hangar/Office              Jacksonville, FL              Leased                 30,256   sq. ft.
     Hangar                     Jamestown, NY                 Leased                 30,000   sq. ft.
     Hangar/Office              Dubois, PA                    Leased                 23,000   sq. ft.
     Hangar                     Reading, PA                   Leased                 56,250   sq. ft.
     Hangar/Office              Grand Junction, NM            Leased                 32,768   sq. ft.
     Hangar/Office              Yakima, WA                    Leased                 14,500   sq. ft.
     Hangar/Office              Bullhead City, AZ             Leased                 12,852   sq. ft.
     Office                     Phoenix, AZ                   Leased                  3,570   sq. ft.
</TABLE>

In addition, Mesa, as the lessee, leases space at each of the airports in which
it operates to accommodate its operations. These leases are generally
month-to-month or relatively short-term leases. Mesa, as the lessor, also leases
commercial real estate of approximately 26,200 square feet in Farmington, New
Mexico to unrelated entities.



Item 3.           Legal Proceedings

During 1994, seven shareholder class action complaints were filed in the United
States District Court for the District of New Mexico against Mesa, certain of
its present and former corporate officers and directors, and certain
underwriters who participated in Mesa's June 1993 public offering of common
stock. During October 1995, the court granted class certification in the action.
These complaints have been consolidated by court order, and, after the court
granted in part a motion to dismiss in May 1996, a second amended consolidated
complaint was filed alleging that during various periods the defendants caused
or permitted Mesa to issue publicly misleading financial statements and other
misleading statements in annual and quarterly reports to shareholders, press
releases and interviews with securities analysts. The current complaint alleges
that these statements misrepresented Mesa's financial performance and condition,
its business, the status of its operations, its earnings, its capacity to
achieve profitable growth and its future business prospects, all with the
purpose and effect of artificially inflating the market price of common stock of
Mesa throughout the relevant period. The complaint further alleges that certain
officers and directors of the Company illegally profited from sales of Mesa
common stock during these periods. The complaint seeks damages against the
defendants in an amount to be determined at trial (including rescission and/or
money damages as appropriate), disgorgement of all insider trading profits
earned by defendants in connection with the sale of common stock of Mesa, and
reasonable attorney, accountant and expert fees. Mesa has accrued approximately
$5.7 million to vigorously defend the class action litigation, of which $4.1
million is included in Deferred Credits as of September 30, 1996.

Mesa and the corporate officers and directors deny the allegations made against
them in these lawsuits. Further, Mesa and the corporate officers and directors
believe they have substantial and meritorious defenses against these allegations
and intend to continue to defend their position vigorously. However,

                                      -14-
<PAGE>   15
should an unfavorable resolution of this litigation occur, it is possible that
Mesa's future results of operations or cash flows could be materially affected
in a particular period.

In a related case, in September 1994, a shareholder derivative suit was filed in
the United States District Court for the District of New Mexico, purportedly on
behalf of Mesa. The derivative lawsuit was dismissed by the Court on August 12,
1996.

Mesa is also a party to legal proceedings and claims which arise during the
ordinary course of business.

In the belief of management, based upon information known at this time, the
ultimate outcome of these proceedings and claims pending against Mesa is not
expected to have a material adverse effect on Mesa's financial position.



Item 4.           Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

         None.


PART II

Item 5.           Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related
                  Stockholder Matters

                          MARKET PRICE OF COMMON STOCK

Presented below are the high and low sales prices of the Common Stock of Mesa
Air Group, Inc. on the National Market System under the NASDAQ symbol MESA.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                  FISCAL 1996                      FISCAL 1995
- -------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------
Quarter                      HIGH             LOW              HIGH             LOW
- --------------------------------------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------

<S>                     <C>                   <C>              <C>             <C>
First                   $   10.75             8.00             9.50            6.00
Second                      13.25             7.75             9.50            5.75
Third                       13.88            10.38             9.75            4.88
Fourth                      12.13             8.44            12.00            9.00
</TABLE>






On December 6, 1996, Mesa had 1,387 shareholders of record. Mesa has never paid
cash dividends and does not intend to pay cash dividends in the future.


                                      -15-
<PAGE>   16
Item 6.           Selected Financial Data



SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA AND OPERATING STATISTICS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In thousands of dollars, except per share and average fare amounts and otherwise
indicated

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        Years ended September 30
                                                                        ------------------------

                                             1996             1995              1994              1993              1992
                                        -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                                     <C>               <C>               <C>               <C>               <C>
Operating revenues                      $   500,363       $   455,139       $   396,134       $   353,640       $   316,615
Operating expenses                          452,369           425,567           347,760           311,730           291,053
Operating income                             47,994            29,572            48,374            41,910            25,562
Other income (expense)                       14,302              (156)            3,534             3,797             1,365
Interest expense                             12,777             6,395             7,916             5,366             4,472
Earnings before income taxes and
 extraordinary item                          49,519            23,021            43,992            40,341            22,455
Earnings before extraordinary item           30,407            14,012            27,276            25,038            14,272
Net earnings                                 30,407            14,012            27,688            26,352            14,272

Earnings per common share before
 extraordinary item                            1.00              0.42              0.75              0.73              0.50
Net earnings per common share                  1.00              0.42              0.76              0.77              0.50
Working capital                              70,860           115,378           134,186           125,706            35,754
Total assets                                678,491           446,722           419,902           399,318           235,160
Long-term debt, excluding current
 portion                                    338,278            78,411            91,772            91,742            70,100
Stockholders' equity                        224,666           255,883           234,316           215,394            99,116
Net book value per common share         $      7.96       $      7.53       $      7.16       $      6.08       $      3.22
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Passengers carried                        6,463,690         6,086,782         5,170,252         4,449,492         3,801,756
Revenue passenger miles (000)             1,364,681         1,179,397           982,642           916,851           779,558
Available seat miles (000)                2,437,662         2,310,895         1,897,933         1,821,156         1,637,307
Average passenger journey                       211               194               190               206               205
Average stage length                            167               167               163                NA                NA
Load factor                                      56%               51%             51.8%             50.3%             47.6%
Break-even passenger load factor               51.7%             49.2%             47.0%             45.8%             46.0%
Revenue per available seat mile                20.5(cent)        19.7(cent)        20.9(cent)        19.4(cent)        19.3(cent)
Cost per available seat mile                   18.6(cent)        18.4(cent)        18.3(cent)        17.1(cent)        17.8(cent)
Average yield per revenue passenger
 mile                                          35.9(cent)        37.5(cent)        38.9(cent)        37.3(cent)        38.7(cent)
Average fare                            $     75.72       $     72.53       $     74.11       $     76.80       $     79.31
Aircraft in service                             175               177               166               146               125
Cities served                                   164               172               165               152               139
Number of employees                           4,000             3,900             3,500             2,800             2,540
===========================================================================================================================
NA - Information not available
</TABLE>


                                      -16-
<PAGE>   17
Item 7.           Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
                  and Results of Operations


MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Mesa Air Group, Inc. ("Mesa") and its subsidiaries are a group of regional
airlines and related companies providing service across the United States as
America West Express, Mesa Airlines, United Express and USAir Express.

The following tables set forth selected operating and financial data of Mesa for
the years indicated below:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           OPERATING DATA

                                                                      Years ended September 30
                                                      --------------------------------------------------------
                                                             1996                1995               1994
                                                      --------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                      <C>                   <C>               <C>
Passengers                                               6,463,690             6,086,782         5,170,252
Available seat miles (000)                               2,437,662             2,310,895         1,897,933
Revenue passenger miles (000)                            1,364,681             1,179,397           982,642
Load factor                                                  56.0%                 51.0%             51.8%
Revenue per ASM                                              20.5(cent)            19.7(cent)        20.9(cent)
Yield per RPM                                                35.9(cent)            37.5(cent)        38.9(cent)
Cost per ASM                                                 18.6(cent)            18.4(cent)        18.3(cent)
</TABLE>




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     FINANCIAL DATA

                                                                Years ended September 30
                                 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                            1996                          1995                      1994
                                 --------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------
                                           Percent    Cost             Percent    Cost              Percent    Cost
                                   Amount    of       per       Amount   of       per       Amount    of       per
                                    (000)  Revenues   ASM       (000)  Revenues   ASM       (000)  Revenues    ASM
                                 --------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------
<S>                               <C>       <C>    <C>       <C>        <C>    <C>        <C>       <C>    <C>
Flight operations                 $166,151  33.2%   6.8(cent)$ 166,596  36.6%   7.2(cent) $126,954    32%   6.7(cent)
Maintenance                         81,400  16.3%   3.3(cent)   73,701  16.2%   3.2(cent)   68,908  17.4%   3.6(cent)
Aircraft and traffic servicing      73,469  14.7%   3.0(cent)   64,120  14.1%   2.7(cent)   46,347  11.7%   2.4(cent)
Promotion and sales                 74,844  15.0%   3.1(cent)   73,289  16.1%   3.2(cent)   63,657  16.1%   3.4(cent)
General and administrative          29,186   5.8%   1.2(cent)   26,921   5.9%   1.2(cent)   26,786   6.8%   1.4(cent)
Depreciation and amortization       24,296   4.9%   1.0(cent)   20,940   4.6%   0.9(cent)   15,108   3.8%   0.8(cent)
Aircraft return provision            3,023   0.6%   0.1(cent)     --    --     --             --    --     --
                                 --------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------
    Total operating expenses      $452,369  90.4%  18.6(cent)$ 425,567  93.5%  18.4(cent) $347,760  87.8%  18.3(cent)
                                 =========================== ============================ ===========================
Interest expense                  $ 12,777   2.6%  0.5(cent) $   6,395   1.4%   0.3(cent) $  7,916   2.0%   0.4(cent)
                                 =========================== ============================ ===========================
</TABLE>


                                      -17-
<PAGE>   18
REVENUE AND EXPENSE COMPARISON


FISCAL 1996 VERSUS FISCAL 1995

Operating revenues increased $45.2 million (10 percent) for fiscal 1996 compared
to the prior fiscal year. This increase in operating revenues is the result of a
six percent increase in passengers and a four percent increase in average fares.
Capacity, measured by available seat miles (ASMs), increased by 5.5 percent. The
load factor increased from 51 percent to 56 percent and revenue per ASM
increased from 19.7(cent) to 20.5(cent). The airline industry has a history of
fare and traffic volatility; however, management expects revenue per available
seat mile to remain relatively stable during the next fiscal year.

Flight operations expense decreased from 7.2(cent) per ASM in 1995 to 6.8(cent)
per ASM in 1996 primarily due to a reduction of fleet integration costs during
the current year, a conversion of many aircraft from being operated under
operating lease to owned aircraft, and the operation of jet aircraft throughout
the entire 1996 fiscal year. However, this benefit was partially offset by
higher-than-average pilot training costs in the third and fourth quarters caused
by major airlines hiring more than the usual number of pilots and an increase in
fuel related to a new tax on jet fuel and a general increase in price.

Maintenance expense was essentially unchanged at 3.3(cent) per ASM in 1996.

Aircraft and traffic servicing cost increased slightly from 2.7(cent) per ASM in
1995 to 3.0(cent) per ASM in 1996. This increase is primarily the result of
increased operating fees at Denver International Airport. These costs include
landing fees, station wages, rent and other station costs.

Promotion and sales expense decreased slightly from 3.2(cent) in 1995 to
3.1(cent) per ASM in 1996. These costs include commissions, booking fees and
other reservation costs and will vary with revenue.

General and administrative expense remained constant at 1.2(cent) per ASM.

Depreciation and amortization expense increased from 0.9(cent) per ASM in 1995
to 1.0(cent) per ASM in 1996 primarily due to additional depreciation on owned
aircraft. Depreciation will continue to increase per ASM during 1997 as a result
of additional owned aircraft.

Interest expense increased from 0.3(cent) per ASM in 1995 to 0.5(cent) per ASM
in 1996 as a result of financing more aircraft through use of debt rather than
operating leases.

Mesa incurred an effective tax rate of approximately 38.6 percent for the year
1996. This rate is lower than 1995 due in part to implementation of a state tax
minimization program.

The combination of the above factors, excluding a one-time accrual for Fokker
return costs of 0.1(cent) per ASM, resulted in a slight increase in operating
expenses from 18.4(cent) per ASM in 1995 to 18.6(cent) per ASM in 1996.


FISCAL 1995 VERSUS FISCAL 1994

Operating revenues increased $59.0 million (15 percent) for fiscal 1995 compared
to the prior fiscal year. Capacity measured by ASMs increased by 22 percent.
During fiscal 1995 capacity grew at a higher rate than revenues primarily as a
result of intense competition and negative publicity regarding regional airline
safety which took place in the first six months of the 1995 fiscal year. The
introduction of jet aircraft into the fleet in the last quarter of the fiscal
year also increased capacity without corresponding increase in revenue per
available seat mile. The load factor decreased slightly from 51.8 percent to 51
percent and the yield per RPM decreased from 38.9(cent) to 37.5(cent). The
decrease in yield per RPM is primarily the result of

                                      -18-
<PAGE>   19
lower air fares on the West Coast during the first six months of the year, which
adversely affected financial results at the WestAir subsidiary.

Flight operations cost increased by $39.6 million (31.2 percent) compared to a
22 percent increase in capacity. This resulted in an increase in cost per ASM
from 6.7(cent) in 1994 to 7.2(cent) in 1995. The primary reason for the increase
in flight operations expense was the integration costs related to introduction
of DHC-8-300 and Fokker 70 jet aircraft into the fleet. These integration costs
were expensed during the fiscal year.

Maintenance expense decreased from 3.6(cent) per ASM in 1994 to 3.2(cent) per
ASM in 1995. Excluding jet ASMs, the decrease was from 3.6(cent) per ASM in 1994
to 3.3(cent) per ASM in 1995. This decrease was primarily the result of a fewer
number of scheduled engine overhauls in 1995 as compared to 1994.

Aircraft and traffic servicing cost increased slightly from 2.4(cent) per ASM in
1994 to 2.7(cent) per ASM in 1995. These costs include landing fees, station
wages, rent and other station costs.

Promotion and sales expense decreased slightly from 3.4(cent) in 1994 to
3.2(cent) per ASM in 1995. These costs include commissions, booking fees and
other reservation costs and will vary with revenue.

General and administrative expense decreased from 1.4(cent) per ASM in 1994 to
1.2(cent) per ASM in 1995.

Depreciation and amortization expense increased from 0.8(cent) per ASM in 1994
to 0.9(cent) per ASM in 1995 due to increased amortization resulting from an
increase in intangibles.

Interest expense decreased from 0.4(cent) per ASM in 1994 to 0.3(cent) per ASM
in 1995 as a result of financing more aircraft through operating leases rather
than debt and a decrease in the amount of long-term debt.

Mesa incurred an effective tax rate of approximately 39 percent for the year
1995, a slightly higher rate than the prior year. Changes in tax law and the
adoption of Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement 109 in 1994 did not
have a material impact on the financial statements.

The combination of the above factors resulted in a slight increase in operating
expenses from 18.3(cent) per ASM in 1994 to 18.4(cent) per ASM in 1995.


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Mesa's cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities as of September 30, 1996
amounted to $60 million. This was a decrease of $35 million from the prior year
resulting from utilization of cash in a stock repurchase program. Mesa generated
approximately $42 million in cash from operating activities during 1996. Mesa's
cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities are intended to be used for
working capital, acquisitions, capital expenditures and a continuing stock
buy-back program.

Mesa had receivables of $41 million at September 30, 1996 which consist
primarily of amounts due from code-sharing partners United and USAir. Under the
terms of the United and USAir agreements, Mesa receives a substantial portion of
its revenues through the Airline Clearing House. Historically, Mesa has
generated adequate cash flow to meet its operating needs.

Mesa currently has a $20 million line of credit, of which approximately $16
million is available. Amounts reserved under this line of credit have been used
to facilitate the issuance of letters of credit.

                                      -19-
<PAGE>   20
Mesa has significant operating lease obligations on existing aircraft. At
September 30, 1996, Mesa leased 73 aircraft with remaining terms of up to 16.5
years. Future lease payments due under all aircraft operating leases were
approximately $282 million at September 30, 1996.

At September 30, 1996, Mesa had commitments to acquire nine Beechcraft model
1900D aircraft prior to December 31, 1996. Beech Acceptance Corporation has
agreed to provide lease or debt financing, at Mesa's option.

Mesa accepted delivery of two Fokker 70 jet aircraft during the summer of 1995.
Mesa's purchase contract included an option to acquire six additional aircraft.
The agreement with Fokker allowed Mesa the right to return the two aircraft to
Fokker from 12 to 18 months after delivery, subject to a six-month notification.

During January 1996, Fokker announced a suspension of payments to its creditors.
By April 1996, Fokker had entered into liquidation and was unable to provide the
six additional Fokker 70 aircraft under option to Mesa. Therefore, since
management believed a fleet of two Fokker 70s could not be operated profitably,
the Company noticed the return of the two Fokker 70 aircraft.

Daimler-Benz, the owner of the Fokker aircraft, and Mesa have negotiated an
agreement in principle which allows Mesa to continue operating the two aircraft
through August 1997 at existing lease rates in exchange for the Company's
agreement to pay for time-related costs use of the aircraft through the date of
return. At June 30, 1996, the Company accrued a provision for the hours utilized
on the aircraft through June 30, 1996. In addition, the Company will continue to
accrue additional time-related aircraft costs on an hourly basis through the
remainder of the lease term of the aircraft. At June 30, 1996 the Company
accrued an aircraft return provision for all other estimated costs related to
the return of these two aircraft.

Mesa has an aircraft order with Bombardier, Inc. to acquire 25 de Havilland Dash
8-200 aircraft worth $262.5 million with deliveries scheduled in early 1996
through March 1997. Due to production delays, the delivery schedule was delayed
and Mesa was granted an option to cancel up to five of the 25 aircraft on order.
As of September 30, 1996, Mesa had taken delivery of only five of the scheduled
14 Dash 8-200 aircraft. Mesa has arranged financing commitments for 10 of the 25
aircraft and is presently arranging financing for the remaining aircraft on
order. Bombardier will participate as needed to finance any new aircraft
deliveries. Mesa also has an option to acquire 25 additional de Havilland Dash
8-200 aircraft. The Dash-8-200 aircraft purchase agreement provides for a spare
parts supply program, which includes all required parts to maintain the
aircraft, excluding engines and propellers, for a period of seven years. Mesa
will pay a fixed hourly charge per flight hour for this spare parts supply
program.

During August 1996, Mesa entered into a memorandum of understanding to acquire
16 Canadair Regional 50-passenger jet aircraft ("CRJs") worth approximately $320
million with deliveries to begin in February 1997. Mesa will trade in 12 Embraer
Brasilia aircraft on the 16 Canadair Regional jet aircraft on order. An $8.3
million deposit has been made to Bombardier, Inc. related to this commitment,
and Bombardier will participate as needed to provide financing for the CRJs to
be acquired by Mesa. Mesa has options to acquire an additional 32 CRJ aircraft.

During December 1995, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced rules
which require commuter airlines with aircraft of 10 or more passenger seats
operating under FAR Part 135 rules to begin operating those aircraft under FAR
Part 121 regulations by the end of March 1997. Mesa is one of the largest
regional airlines operating under FAR Part 135 regulations. In anticipation of
Mesa's conversion to FAR Part 121 and to address issues raised in past
inspections, the FAA began a special review of Mesa's operations in June 1996.

                                      -20-
<PAGE>   21
As a result of the special review by the FAA of Mesa's operations, a consent
order was signed in September 1996 assessing a compromise civil penalty of
$500,000. Mesa paid $250,000 of the compromise amount, and the remaining
$250,000 will be waived upon Mesa complying with provisions of the consent
order. Under the consent order, Mesa has agreed to adopt operational standards
that exceed the requirements of the Federal Aviation Regulations. The consent
order requires that control of operational areas (maintenance, flight operations
and training) be consolidated under one central management team. The Company has
until March 1997 to complete the specified tasks, and as of December 6, 1996 was
on or ahead of the schedule set forth in the order.

Based on the required conversion to FAR Part 121 and the provisions of the FAA
consent order, Mesa anticipates a one-time capital expenditure of approximately
$1.0 million in fiscal 1997 to bring all aircraft currently being operated by
Mesa into compliance with the enacted FAR Part 121 rules. In addition, Mesa
presently anticipates ongoing operational costs in order to comply with the FAR
Part 121 rules and consent order of approximately $2.5 million per year.

Mesa does not expect any material negative impact to its operations as a result
of inflation. Mesa believes fares, and accordingly revenues, can be changed to
offset the impact of inflation. Approximately 80 percent of Mesa's $355.4
million of indebtedness is at floating rates and may be affected by inflation if
such inflation results in an increase in interest rates. A significant portion 
of the aircraft fleet is leased at fixed rates that would not be impacted by 
inflation.

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 "Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation" (SFAS 123) requires that companies can elect to account for
stock-based compensation plans using a method based upon fair value or can
continue measuring compensation expense for those plans using the "intrinsic
value method" prescribed by Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25
"Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees" (APB 25). Companies electing to
continue using the intrinsic value method must make pro forma disclosures in
fiscal 1997 of net earnings and earnings per share as if the "fair value based
method" had been applied. The Company will continue using APB 25; therefore,
SFAS 123 is not expected to have an impact on the Company's results of
operations or financial position.

Mesa announced on December 20, 1996 that it anticipates falling short of
analysts' earnings expectations for the first fiscal quarter of 1997
(October-December 1996). Disappointing revenues in November, along with several
one-time costs associated with changes in its operations, are the primary
causes of the anticipated shortfall. These changes relate to improvements in
the Company's performance and customer service levels in the Denver system; the
consolidation of operations on the West Coast by fleet type and the related
closing of two maintenance facilities in that system. In addition, the Company
incurred unusually high pilot training costs resulting from a transition into   
the deHavilland Dash 8-200 aircraft. The Company has also suffered the 
industry-wide consequences of dramatically increased fuel costs.

As a result of these changes, which caused these one-time expenses, the Company
expects to realize improving financial results going forward into the
subsequent quarters.   

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Form 10-K contains information regarding the replacement, deployment, and
acquisition of certain numbers and types of aircraft, entry into an independent
jet operation, and projected expenses associated therewith; costs of compliance
with FAA regulations and other rules and acts of Congress; the passing of taxes,
fuel costs, inflation, and various expenses to the consumer; the relocation of
certain operations of the Company; the resolution of litigation in a favorable
manner; and certain projected financial obligations. These statements, in
addition to statements made in conjunction with the words "expect,"
"anticipate," "intend," "plan," "believe," "seek," "estimate," and similar
expressions, are forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and
uncertainties. The following is a list of factors, among others, that could
cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements:
business conditions and growth in certain market segments and industries and the
general economy; an increase in competition along the routes the Company plans
to operate its newly acquired aircraft; material delays in completion by the
manufacturer of the ordered and yet- to-be delivered aircraft; changes in
general economic conditions, such as fuel price increases, and changes in
regional economic conditions, making the costs of aircraft operation prohibitive
in the targeted regions the Company plans to operate the newly acquired
aircraft; the Company's relationship with employees and the terms of future
collective bargaining agreements and the impact of current and future laws,
Congressional investigations, and governmental regulations affecting the airline
industry and the Company's operations; bureaucratic delays on amendments to
existing legislation; consumers unwilling to incur greater costs for flights;
unfavorable resolution of negotiations with municipalities for the leasing of
facilities; and risks associated with trial outcomes. See page 2 of Form 10-K.

                                      -21-
<PAGE>   22
Item 8.           Financial Statements and Supplementary Data


         1.  Consolidated Financial Statements

                  Page 23 -   Independent Auditors' Report

                  Page 24 -   Consolidated Balance Sheets - September 30,
                              1996 and 1995

                  Page 26 -   Consolidated Statements of Earnings - Years
                              ended September 30, 1996, 1995, and 1994

                  Page 27 -   Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows -
                              Years ended September 30, 1996, 1995, and 1994

                  Page 28 -   Consolidated Statements of Stockholders'
                              Equity - Years ended September 30, 1996, 1995,
                              and 1994

                  Page 29 -   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

         All schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting
         regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission have been omitted
         because they are not applicable, not required or the information has
         been furnished elsewhere.

                                      -22-

<PAGE>   23
                         REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND STOCKHOLDERS
MESA AIR GROUP, INC.:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Mesa Air Group,
Inc. and subsidiaries as of September 30, 1996 and 1995, and the related
consolidated statements of earnings, cash flows, and stockholders' equity for
each of the years in the three-year period ended September 30, 1996.  These
consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's
management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated
financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards.  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.  An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation.  We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Mesa Air Group,
Inc. and subsidiaries as of September 30, 1996 and 1995 and the results of
their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year
period ended September 30, 1996 in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.


                                                           KPMG Peat Marwick LLP

November 22, 1996
Phoenix, Arizona






                                      -23-
<PAGE>   24
MESA AIR GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands except share amounts)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                September 30
                                                          -----------------------
                                                            1996          1995
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                       <C>            <C>
ASSETS
Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents                               $ 54,720       $ 53,675
  Marketable securities (note 2)                             5,300         40,901
  Receivables, principally traffic                          41,105         44,811
  Expendable parts and supplies, less allowance for
    obsolescence of $1,350 and $1,200                       26,956         24,682
  Prepaid expenses and other current assets                  6,394          6,923
                                                          -----------------------

   Total current assets                                   $134,475       $170,992

Property and equipment, net (notes 4 and 5)                452,273        170,899
Lease and equipment deposits (notes 9 and 10)               10,889         26,147
Intangibles, less amortization of $8,687 and $3,523         53,538         60,598
Other assets                                                27,316         18,086
                                                          -----------------------

Total assets                                              $678,491       $446,722
                                                          =======================
</TABLE>



          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                      -24-
<PAGE>   25
MESA AIR GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands except share amounts)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  September 30
                                                                            -----------------------
                                                                              1996           1995
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                         <C>            <C>
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
    Current portion of long-term debt and capital leases (note 5)           $ 17,127       $  8,283
    Accounts payable                                                          13,811         23,205
    Income taxes payable (note 6)                                              3,708          1,073
    Air traffic liability                                                      4,789          5,131
    Accrued compensation                                                       5,010          3,937
    Other accrued expenses                                                    19,170         13,985
                                                                            -----------------------

          Total current liabilities                                           63,615         55,614

Long-term debt and capital leases, excluding current portion (note 5)        338,278         78,411
Deferred credits                                                              29,538         28,353
Deferred income taxes (note 6)                                                22,394         28,461
Stockholders' equity (note 7):
   Preferred stock of no par value, 2,000,000 shares
     authorized; no shares issued and outstanding                                 --             --
   Common stock of no par value, 75,000,000 shares authorized;
     28,243,382 shares in 1996 and 33,460,742 shares in 1995 issued
     and outstanding                                                         100,876        151,957
Retained earnings                                                            121,283         90,876
Unrealized gain on marketable securities, net of deferred
  income taxes of $1,420 and $8,700 (note 2)                                   2,507         13,050
                                                                            -----------------------

          Total stockholders' equity                                         224,666        255,883
                                                                            -----------------------

Commitments, contingencies and
  subsequent events (notes 3, 8, 9, 10, and 12)

          Total liabilities and stockholders' equity                        $678,491       $446,722
                                                                            =======================
</TABLE>



          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


                                      -25-
<PAGE>   26
MESA AIR GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
(in thousands, except per share amounts)



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          Years Ended September 30
                                                                  ----------------------------------------
                                                                    1996            1995            1994
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                               <C>             <C>             <C>
Operating revenues:

  Passenger                                                       $489,432        $442,087        $383,162
  Freight and other                                                  7,387           7,636           7,467
  Public service                                                     3,544           5,416           5,505
                                                                  ----------------------------------------

          Total operating revenues                                 500,363         455,139         396,134
                                                                  ----------------------------------------
Operating expenses:

  Flight operations                                                166,151         166,596         126,954
  Maintenance                                                       81,400          73,701          68,908
  Aircraft and traffic servicing                                    73,469          64,120          46,347
  Promotion and sales                                               74,844          73,289          63,657
  General and administrative                                        29,186          26,921          26,786
  Depreciation and amortization                                     24,296          20,940          15,108
  Aircraft return provision (note 10)                                3,023            --              --
                                                                  ----------------------------------------

          Total operating expenses                                 452,369         425,567         347,760
                                                                  ----------------------------------------

          Operating income                                          47,994          29,572          48,374
                                                                  ----------------------------------------
Non-operating income (expenses):

  Interest expense                                                 (12,777)         (6,395)         (7,916)
  Interest income                                                    2,274           1,970           3,607
  Other (notes 2 and 12)                                            12,028          (2,126)            (73)
                                                                  ----------------------------------------

          Total non-operating expenses                               1,525          (6,551)         (4,382)
                                                                  ----------------------------------------
          Earnings before income tax expense and
            extraordinary item                                      49,519          23,021          43,992

Income tax expense (note 6)                                         19,112           9,009          16,716
                                                                  ----------------------------------------

          Earnings before extraordinary item                        30,407          14,012          27,276

Extraordinary item - gain on extinguishment of debt, net of
    income taxes of $252 in 1994                                      --              --               412
                                                                  ----------------------------------------
          Net earnings                                            $ 30,407        $ 14,012        $ 27,688
                                                                  ========================================

Average common and common equivalent shares outstanding             30,449          33,363          36,559
                                                                  ========================================
Earnings per common and common equivalent share:
    Earnings before extraordinary item                            $   1.00        $   0.42        $   0.75
    Extraordinary item                                                --              --              0.01
                                                                  ----------------------------------------
          Net earnings                                            $   1.00        $   0.42        $   0.76
                                                                  ========================================
</TABLE>

          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


                                      -26-
<PAGE>   27
MESA AIR GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   Years Ended September 30
                                                                          ----------------------------------------
                                                                             1996            1995            1994
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                       <C>             <C>             <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
  Net earnings                                                            $ 30,407        $ 14,012        $ 27,688

  Adjustments to reconcile net earnings
    to net cash flows from operating activities:

       Depreciation and amortization                                        24,296          20,940          15,108
       Provision for litigation and other liabilities                       10,000            --              --
       Deferred income taxes                                                10,473             493           6,074
       (Gain) loss on disposal of property and equipment                       689             (82)         (1,069)
       (Gain) loss on sale of securities                                   (22,008)            145            --
       Extraordinary item - gain on extinguishment of debt                    --              --              (664)
       Amortization of deferred credits                                     (3,271)          (1964)          1,283
       Stock bonus plan                                                        970             538             979

  Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
       Receivables                                                           3,706           1,658          (9,627)
       Expendable parts and supplies                                        (2,274)         (5,281)         (6,631)
       Prepaid expenses and other current assets                               529             442          (4,248)
       Accounts payable                                                     (4,361)         12,485           1,074
       Other accrued liabilities                                            (6,109)           (400)          7,037
                                                                          ----------------------------------------

       NET CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES                             43,047          42,986          37,004
                                                                          ----------------------------------------

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

  Capital expenditures                                                     (20,263)        (92,296)        (32,599)
  Proceeds from sale of property and equipment                               1,616          99,634           3,366
  Proceeds from maturities and sale of marketable securities                40,861          23,499         136,170
  Purchases of marketable securities                                          --              --           (89,946)
  Purchased intangibles                                                       --           (34,489)        (15,505)
  Other assets                                                                (354)         (2,492)         (4,018)
  Lease and equipment deposits                                                 699          (9,365)         (3,300)
                                                                          ----------------------------------------

       NET CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES                             22,559         (15,509)         (5,832)
                                                                          ----------------------------------------

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

  Proceeds received from long-term debt                                       --             5,000            --
  Principal payments on long-term debt and
    obligations under capital leases                                       (12,141)        (18,553)        (11,129)

  Proceeds from issuance of common stock                                     1,510           1,592           2,631
  Common stock repurchase and retirement                                   (53,930)           --           (24,503)
  Proceeds from deferred credits                                              --             2,592           1,275
                                                                          ----------------------------------------

       NET CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES                            (64,561)         (9,369)        (31,726)
                                                                          ----------------------------------------

NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS                                      1,045          18,108            (554)

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR                              53,675          35,567          36,121
                                                                          ----------------------------------------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR                                  $ 54,720        $ 53,675        $ 35,567
                                                                          ========================================
</TABLE>


          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


                                      -27-
<PAGE>   28
MESA AIR GROUP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Years ended September 30, 1996, 1995 and 1994
(in thousands except number of shares)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                Available
                                                 Number of         Common         Retained       for sale
                                                  shares            stock         earnings      securities         Total
                                                -------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                             <C>               <C>             <C>           <C>              <C>
Balance at September 30, 1993                   35,425,709        $166,218        $ 49,176           --          $215,394

Exercise of options (note 7)                       534,129           2,631            --             --             2,631

Stock bonus plan (note 8)                          109,204             979            --             --               979

Common stock repurchase                         (3,365,000)        (24,503)           --             --           (24,503)

Tax benefits from sale of optioned stock              --             2,370            --             --             2,370

Change in unrealized gains, net of tax                --              --              --            9,757           9,757

Net earnings                                          --              --            27,688           --            27,688
                                                -------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at September 30, 1994                   32,704,042        $147,695        $ 76,864       $  9,757        $234,316

Exercise of options (note 7)                       687,487           1,592            --             --             1,592

Stock bonus plan (note 8)                           69,213             538            --             --               538

Tax benefits from sale of optioned                    --             2,132            --             --             2,132
stock

Change in unrealized gains, net of tax                --              --              --            3,293           3,293
    (note 2)

Net earnings                                          --              --            14,012           --            14,012
                                                -------------------------------------------------------------------------

Balance at September 30, 1995                   33,460,742        $151,957        $ 90,876       $ 13,050        $255,883

Exercise of options (note 7)                       194,759           1,510            --             --             1,510

Stock bonus plan (note 8)                           94,281             970            --             --               970

Common stock repurchase                         (5,506,400)        (53,930)           --             --           (53,930)

Tax benefits from sale of optioned
stock                                                 --               369            --             --               369

Change in unrealized gains, net of tax
    (note 2)                                          --              --              --          (10,543)        (10,543)

Net earnings                                          --              --            30,407                         30,407
                                                -------------------------------------------------------------------------

Balance at September 30, 1996                   28,243,382        $100,876        $121,283       $  2,507        $224,666
                                                =========================================================================
</TABLE>



          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


                                      -28-
<PAGE>   29
MESA AIR GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Years ended September 30, 1996, 1995 and 1994

1.       Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

         a.       Principles of Consolidation and Organization

                  Mesa Air Group, Inc. ("Mesa") and its subsidiaries is a group
                  of regional airlines providing service in various regions
                  across the United States as America West Express, Mesa
                  Airlines, United Express and USAir Express.

                  Pursuant to ratification by Mesa's shareholders, during
                  September 1996 Mesa (previously a New Mexico corporation)
                  reincorporated in the state of Nevada. MPD, Inc. (formerly San
                  Juan Pilot Training, Inc. dba Mesa Air Pilot Development) and
                  FCA, Inc. (formerly Four Corners Aviation, Inc.) were also
                  reincorporated as Nevada corporations. A new subsidiary, Mesa
                  Airlines, Inc., a Nevada corporation, was formed to hold all
                  airline operating divisions. The Company is in the process of
                  revising the management structure to centralize flight and
                  maintenance controls and management in one location and will
                  switch from the "division" management system to one focusing
                  on its hubs.

                  The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of
                  Mesa and its wholly owned subsidiaries Mesa Airlines, Inc.,
                  WestAir Holding, Inc., Air Midwest, Inc., MPD, Inc., and FCA,
                  Inc., MAGI Insurance, Ltd. and Mesa Leasing, Inc.
                  (collectively referred to as Mesa). All significant
                  intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in
                  consolidation.

                  Mesa is a Nevada-based regional airline providing passenger
                  service across the United States utilizing 173 turboprop
                  aircraft and two jet aircraft. Mesa also operates four other
                  related companies. The related companies are Desert Turbine
                  Services, FCA, Inc., MPD, Inc. and Regional Aircraft Services,
                  Inc.

                  Mesa currently operates as America West Express under a
                  code-sharing agreement which expires in 2004 with America West
                  Airlines, Inc. ("America West") utilizing a Phoenix, Arizona
                  hub.

                  Mesa utilizes an Albuquerque hub as Mesa Airlines, serving the
                  Southwest and Rocky Mountain regions.

                  In addition, Mesa operates as United Express under two
                  separate code-sharing agreements with United Airlines
                  ("United"). One code-sharing agreement, expiring in 1998,
                  covers operations on the West Coast originating out of hubs in
                  San Francisco and Los Angeles. The other United code-sharing
                  agreement provides for operations as United Express out of
                  hubs in Denver, Portland and Seattle and expires in 2005.

                  Mesa also operates as USAir Express under three code-sharing
                  agreements with USAir, Inc. ("USAir"). One agreement covers
                  operations utilizing a Kansas City hub and expires in 2000.
                  Another USAir code-sharing agreement covers operations out of
                  the Pittsburgh hub and expires in 2003. The third agreement
                  covers hubs in New Orleans, Tampa, Orlando, Philadelphia and
                  Boston hubs and expires in 2004.

                  MPD, Inc. dba Mesa Pilot Development began operations in 1989
                  and provides flight training in coordination with a community
                  college. FCA, Inc. dba Four Corners Aviation, which was
                  acquired in 1992, is a fixed-base operation in Farmington, New
                  Mexico. Regional Aircraft Services, Inc. and Desert Turbine
                  Services provide aircraft and engine maintenance service to
                  Mesa.


                                      -29-
<PAGE>   30
                  MAGI Insurance, Ltd. is a captive insurance created to handle
                  freight and baggage claims in addition to a portion of Mesa's
                  aviation insurance.

         b.       Cash and Cash Equivalents

                  For purposes of the statements of cash flows, Mesa considers
                  all highly liquid debt instruments with original maturities of
                  three months or less to be cash equivalents.

         c.       Marketable Securities

                  All marketable securities are considered to be available for
                  sale. Any unrealized holding gains or losses on
                  available-for-sale securities have been recorded net of
                  deferred taxes through stockholders' equity. Premiums and
                  discounts on debt securities are amortized over the term to
                  maturity using the interest method.

         d.       Receivables

                  Mesa provides commercial air transportation into most regions
                  of the United States. The majority of the passenger tickets
                  collected by Mesa at the time of travel are sold by other air
                  carriers largely as a result of the code-sharing agreements
                  discussed above. As a result, Mesa has a significant
                  concentration of its accounts receivable with other air
                  carriers and does not have any collateral securing such
                  accounts receivable. At September 30, 1996 and 1995, accounts
                  receivable from air carriers totaled approximately $33.8
                  million and $36.5 million, respectively. Accounts receivable
                  credit losses have not been significant and have been within
                  management's expectations.

         e.       Expendable Parts and Supplies

                  Expendable parts and supplies are stated at the lower of
                  average cost or market, less an allowance for obsolescence.
                  Expendable parts and supplies are charged to expense as they
                  are used.

         f.       Property and Equipment

                  Property and equipment are recorded at cost and depreciated to
                  estimated residual values. Depreciation of property and
                  equipment is provided on a straight-line basis over estimated
                  useful lives as follows:

<TABLE>
<S>                                             <C>
                   Buildings                    30 years
                   Flight equipment             7-20 years
                   Leasehold improvements       Life or term of lease, whichever is less
                   Equipment                    5-12 years
                   Furniture and fixtures       3-5 years
                   Vehicles                     5 years
</TABLE>

                  Assets utilized under capital leases are amortized over the
                  lesser of the lease term or the estimated useful life of the
                  asset using the straight-line method. Amortization of capital
                  leases is included in depreciation expense.

         g.       Intangibles

                  In February 1990, Mesa acquired the routes previously
                  developed in the Rocky Mountain region by Aspen Airways, Inc.
                  "Aspen" signed a 10-year noncompete agreement with the
                  exception of a direct route to Aspen, Colorado. The cost of $3
                  million for this noncompete agreement is being amortized over
                  a 10-year period.

                  In July 1991, Mesa acquired Air Midwest, Inc. This acquisition
                  resulted in purchased intangibles of approximately $10.2
                  million, which are being amortized over a 40-year

                                      -30-
<PAGE>   31
                  period. Subsequently the intangibles were reduced by
                  approximately $5.7 million for the recognition of the tax
                  effects of net operating loss and investment tax credit
                  carryovers acquired in the Air Midwest purchase. In February
                  1994, Mesa entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement with Crown
                  Airways, Inc., now operating as USAir Express utilizing a
                  Pittsburgh hub. Intangible assets of $11.3 million are being
                  amortized over a 20-year period.

                  In July 1994, Mesa entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement
                  with USAir for certain aircraft and related assets of its
                  subsidiary Pennsylvania Commuter Airlines, Inc. dba Allegheny
                  Commuter Airlines now operating as USAir Express originating
                  out of Boston, Philadelphia and New Orleans. Acquired
                  intangibles of $10.5 million are being amortized over a
                  20-year period.

                  During October 1994, Mesa reached an agreement with United to
                  purchase 10 and assume leases on two de Havilland DHC-8
                  aircraft for a total contract price of $118.5 million. The
                  agreement also provides for a 10-year extension of its
                  code-sharing agreement with United in Los Angeles and Denver
                  through 2005 and guarantees Mesa the exclusive right to
                  operate as a United Express carrier in eight additional Denver
                  markets. The purchase price has been allocated to the acquired
                  aircraft based upon fair market values at the date of
                  acquisition with acquired intangibles of approximately $34.5
                  million to be amortized over a 10-year period.

                  Mesa continually evaluates the recoverability of these
                  intangible assets by assessing whether the amortization over
                  the remaining estimated life can be recovered through expected
                  future operating results.

         h.       Income Taxes

                  Deferred income taxes are recognized for income and expense
                  items that are recognized in the financial statement in
                  different periods than the income tax returns.

                  Effective October 1, 1994, Mesa adopted Statement of Financial
                  Accounting Standards No. 109 (FAS No. 109), "Accounting For
                  Income Taxes" which requires a change from the deferred method
                  previously used by Mesa to the asset and liability method of
                  accounting for income taxes. Under the asset and liability
                  method of FAS 109, deferred tax assets and liabilities are
                  recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to
                  differences between the financial statement carrying amounts
                  of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax
                  bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using
                  enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in
                  future years in which those temporary differences are expected
                  to be recovered or settled. Under FAS 109, the effect on
                  deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates
                  is recognized in the consolidated statement of earnings as an
                  adjustment to the effective income tax rate in the period that
                  includes the enactment date. Adoption of FAS 109 did not have
                  a material effect on Mesa's financial position or result of
                  operations. Mesa and its subsidiaries file a consolidated
                  federal income tax return.

         i.       Deferred Credits

                  Deferred lease incentives consist of credits for parts or
                  services and deferred gains from the sale and leaseback of
                  aircraft. Deferred credits are amortized on a straight-line
                  basis as a reduction of lease expense over the term of the
                  respective leases.

         j.       Revenues

                  Passenger, freight and other revenues are recognized as earned
                  when the service is provided.


                                      -31-
<PAGE>   32
                  Mesa receives public service revenues for serving certain
                  small communities. These revenues are recognized as earned in
                  the period to which the payments relate. The amount of such
                  payments is determined by the Department of Transportation on
                  the basis of its evaluation of the amount of revenue needed to
                  meet operating expenses and to provide a reasonable return on
                  investment with respect to eligible routes.

                  As a code-share partner for America West, United, and USAir,
                  Mesa participates in the frequent flyer programs of these
                  airlines. Incremental costs for mileage accumulation relating
                  to those programs is expensed as incurred.

         k.       Maintenance

                  Maintenance and repairs, including major engine overhauls, are
                  charged to operating expenses as incurred.

         l.       Earnings Per Common and Common Equivalent Share

                  Earnings per common and common equivalent share are computed
                  based on the weighted average number of common shares, and if
                  dilutive, common stock equivalent shares (options and
                  warrants) outstanding during the respective periods. Fully
                  diluted earnings per share are not materially different than
                  primary earnings per share and has not been presented. The
                  number of shares used in the earnings-per-share computation
                  are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 September 30

                                          1996       1995        1994
                                         -----------------------------
                                                 (in thousands)
<S>                                      <C>       <C>          <C>
Weighted average shares of common
  stock outstanding during the year      29,988     32,857      35,361

Common stock equivalent shares --
  assumed exercise of options               461        506       1,198

                                         -----------------------------
                                         30,449     33,363      36,559
                                         =============================
</TABLE>


         m.       New Accounting Standard

                  Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123
                  "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" (SFAS 123) requires
                  that companies can elect to account for stock-based
                  compensation plans using a method based upon fair value or can
                  continue measuring compensation expense for those plans using
                  the "intrinsic value method" prescribed by Accounting
                  Principles Board Opinion No. 25 "Accounting for Stock Issued
                  to Employees" (APB 25). Companies electing to continue using
                  the intrinsic value method must make pro forma disclosures in
                  fiscal 1997 of net earnings and earnings per share as if the
                  "fair value based method" had been applied. The Company will
                  continue using APB 25; therefore, SFAS 123 is not expected to
                  have an impact on the Company's results of operations or
                  financial position.

         n.       Reclassifications

                  Certain prior year balances have been reclassified to conform
                  to the 1996 presentation.




                                      -32-
<PAGE>   33
2.       Marketable Securities

         Marketable securities available for sale are summarized as follows:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     September 30
                                                        1996                   1995
                                                ------------------------------------------
                                                                  (in thousands)
                                                ------------------------------------------
                                                  Cost       Market      Cost      Market
                                                ------------------------------------------
<S>                                             <C>         <C>        <C>         <C>
Equity securities                               $ 3,903     $ 7,830    $18,743     $40,524

Debt securities:
  Corporate bonds                                    --          --      3,010       2,997

  Municipal securities                            1,001       1,001      2,055       2,038
                                                ------------------------------------------
                                                  4,904       8,831     23,808      45,559
Less equity securities classified as
  Other Assets                                   (2,246)     (3,531)    (2,244)     (4,658)
                                                ------------------------------------------
                                                $ 2,658     $ 5,300    $21,564     $40,901
                                                ==========================================
</TABLE>

         At September 30, 1996, all debt securities will mature within one year.

         Unrealized gains and losses at September 30, 1996 by security
         classification are as follows (in thousands):


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  Unrealized     Unrealized
                                                     Gains         Losses        Net
                                                  -----------------------------------
<S>                                               <C>            <C>          <C>
Equity securities: available for sale               $3,927          $--        $3,927
                                                    =================================
</TABLE>
         On August 25, 1994, Mesa entered into the AmWest Partners, L. P.
         partnership agreement, which governs the terms of an investment by the
         partnership in America West providing for the consummation of America
         West's Plan of Reorganization. Upon making the investment, the
         partnership was dissolved. In consideration of the investment of
         approximately $18.7 million, Mesa received 100,000 Class A shares of
         common stock, 2,183,343 Class B shares of common stock and 799,767
         warrants. In February 1996, Mesa sold 1,984,970 shares of Class B
         common stock of America West, resulting in a realized gain of $22
         million. At September 30, 1996, 100,000 Class A shares, approximately
         200,000 Class B shares and warrants were classified as available for
         sale, and market appreciation was recorded (net of taxes) through
         equity.


3.       Investment in Community Express Airlines, Limited. (CEAL)

         In May 1995, Mesa purchased approximately 49.9 percent of the
         outstanding voting common shares and all of the preferred shares of
         Community Express Airlines, Limited ("CEAL"), a start-up commuter
         airline in the United Kingdom with headquarters in Birmingham, England
         for approximately $1.3 million. During November 1995, an additional
         cash infusion was made and Mesa's preferred shares were converted to
         common shares and a nine-year interest-free loan resulting in a
         decrease in Mesa's interest in CEAL to 44 percent. By August 1996, CEAL
         had not yet attained break-even cash flow, and Mesa elected not to
         invest further resources in CEAL. In September 1996, CEAL ceased
         operations. As of September 30, 1996, Mesa's investment in CEAL was
         written off.


4.       Property and Equipment

                                      -33-
<PAGE>   34
         Property and equipment consists of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               September 30
                                                            1996         1995
                                                         -----------------------
                                                             (in thousands)
<S>                                                      <C>            <C>
Flight equipment, substantially pledged                  $ 482,736      $190,502

Other equipment                                             20,047        19,425

Construction in progress                                         5           817

Leasehold improvements                                       4,571         4,178

Furniture and fixtures                                       2,355         3,058

Buildings                                                    9,480         9,068

Land                                                           525           526

Vehicles                                                     2,200         1,953
                                                         -----------------------
                                                           521,919       229,527

Less accumulated depreciation                             (69,646)       (58,628)
                                                         -----------------------

Net property and equipment                               $452,273       $170,899
                                                         =======================
</TABLE>

         As of September 30, 1996, Mesa had flight equipment consisting
         primarily of rotable parts held for sale with a fair value of
         approximately $11.7 million included in Other Assets.


5.       Long-Term Debt, Capital Leases and Lines of Credit

         At September 30, 1996, Mesa had a line of credit with a bank of $20
         million bearing interest at prime plus 1/2 percent (8.75% at September
         30, 1996). At September 30, 1996, approximately $4 million letters of
         credit were outstanding under the line of credit. The line matures on
         March 31, 1997 and bears an annual fee of 1/4 percent.

         Mesa leases certain equipment under leases having noncancelable lease
         terms of more than one year which have been recorded as capital leases.

         In May 1996, Mesa refinanced operating leases on 66 aircraft as debt
         resulting in additional debt of approximately $234 million. Subsequent
         deliveries of 1900D aircraft have been financed by use of debt.



                                      -34-
<PAGE>   35
         Long-term debt and capital leases consist of the following:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        September 30

                                                                                     1996           1995
                                                                                    -----------------------
                                                                                         (in thousands)
<S>                                                                                <C>             <C>
Notes payable to Raytheon Aircraft Credit Corporation:
Approximately $857,000 plus interest due monthly at prime and an
Adjusted Libor Rate (7.06% to 8.25% at September 30, 1996) through
2011.  Secured by aircraft.                                                         $297,327        $15,761

Notes payable to banks: Approximately $500,200 due monthly plus
interest indexed to Adjusted Libor Rates (6.49%  to 7.56% at
September 30, 1996) through 2006.  Secured by aircraft.                               55,716         58,413

Various notes payable and capital leases; due in monthly installments through
2003; interest indexed to prime and an Adjusted Libor Rate
Secured by aircraft.                                                                   2,362         12,520
                                                                                    -----------------------

Total long-term debt and capital leases                                              355,405         86,694

Less current portion                                                                 (17,127)        (8,283)
                                                                                    -----------------------
Long-term debt and capital leases, excluding current portion                        $338,278        $78,411
                                                                                    -----------------------
</TABLE>

         PRINCIPAL MATURITIES OF LONG-TERM DEBT AND CAPITAL LEASES FOR EACH OF
         THE NEXT FIVE YEARS ARE AS FOLLOWS:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                YEAR ENDING SEPTEMBER 30:
                              -----------------------------
                                     (in thousands)
<S>                                                 <C>
                              1997                  $17,127
                              1998                   17,042
                              1999                   17,573
                              2000                   18,231
                              2001                   19,116
                                                    =======
</TABLE>


                                      -35-
<PAGE>   36
6.       Income Taxes

         Income tax expense consists of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                               September 30

                      1996         1995         1994
                    ----------------------------------
Current:                      (in thousands)
<S>                 <C>           <C>          <C>
   Federal          $ 7,912       $6,899       $ 8,679

   State                727        1,617         1,462
                    ----------------------------------
                      8,639        8,516        10,141
                    ----------------------------------
Deferred:

   Federal            8,457          399         5,627

   State              2,016           94           948
                    ----------------------------------

                     10,473          493         6,575
                    ----------------------------------
Total income
  tax expense       $19,112       $9,009       $16,716
                    ==================================
</TABLE>


         The actual income tax expense differs from the "expected" tax expense
         (computed by applying the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate of 35
         percent in 1996, 1995 and 1994 to earnings before income taxes and
         extraordinary item) as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  September 30

                                                           1996      1995       1994
                                                         ----------------------------
                                                                (in thousands)
<S>                                                      <C>        <C>       <C>
Computed "expected" tax expense                          $17,332    $8,058    $15,397

Increase (reduction) in income taxes resulting from:
   Intangibles                                                98         8         97
   Investment tax credits                                    (29)       --         --
   Tax exempt interest                                       (32)     (112)      (505)
   State taxes, net of federal tax benefit                 1,783       951      1,319
   Other                                                     (40)      104        408
                                                         ----------------------------

       Total income tax expense                          $19,112    $9,009    $16,716
                                                         ============================
</TABLE>


                                      -36-
<PAGE>   37
         Elements of deferred income tax assets (liabilities) are as follows:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    September 30
Deferred tax assets:                                                             1996         1995
                                                                               ---------------------
                                                                                  (in thousands)
<S>                                                                           <C>           <C>
   Inventory, parts and equipment reserves                                    $   1,288     $  1,380
   Accrued expenses                                                                 845        1,287
   Deferred credit                                                                3,514        3,345
   Other accrued liabilities                                                      4,380        (390)
   WestAir investment tax credit carryover                                           --        1,627
   AMT credit carryover                                                           5,507       12,290
   Unrealized holding gain on marketable securities                             (1,420)      (8,700)
   Benefit of net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards                     1,708        3,091
                                                                               ---------------------
                                                                                 15,822       13,930
Valuation allowance                                                              (1,000)      (3,000)
                                                                               ---------------------
Net deferred tax assets                                                          14,822       10,930

Deferred tax liabilities:
   Depreciation and tax capital lease differences                               (37,216)      39,391)
                                                                               ---------------------
Net deferred taxes                                                             $(22,394)    $(28,461)
                                                                               =====================
</TABLE>


         Deferred tax assets include benefits estimated to be realized from the
         utilization of minimum tax credit carryforwards of $5.5 million which
         do not expire and from the utilization of investment tax credit
         carryforwards of $1 million which expire from 2000 through 2001. The
         tax benefits from the investment tax credit and loss carryforwards,
         which were obtained in the acquisition of Air Midwest, Inc., have been
         recorded as a reduction of intangibles. Management believes it is more
         likely than not that the results of future operations will generate
         sufficient taxable income to realize the net deferred tax assets.

         Mesa's U.S. federal income tax returns for 1989, 1990 and 1991 have
         been examined by the IRS. A tentative agreement on the audit issues has
         been reached with the IRS appeals division and will result in
         additional federal income tax payable in the 1989 through 1994 tax
         years of approximately $4 million. An additional net $2.5 million of
         state income taxes payable in the 1989 through 1994 tax years will
         result from settlement of the federal audit. Interest expense relating
         to the additional federal and state tax adjustments total $1.8 million
         as of September 30, 1996. Provision has been made for tax and interest
         payable from the audit, and the $6.5 million tax liability is reflected
         in current income taxes payable as of September 30, 1996.


7.       Stockholders' Equity

         On June 2, 1992, Mesa adopted an employee stock option plan which
         provides for the granting of options to purchase up to 2,250,000 shares
         of Company common stock at the fair market value on the date of grant.
         Under this plan, 1,999,481 shares have been granted. In 1996
         shareholders voted to reduce the number of options available for
         granting under the plan by 250,519. This depleted all remaining options
         available for granting under this plan.

         On December 1, 1995, Mesa adopted an additional employee stock option
         plan under the new management incentive program (Omnibus Plan) which
         provides for the granting of options to purchase up to 2,800,000 shares
         of Company common stock at the fair market value on the date of grant.
         Under this plan, 1,958,458 options have been granted.

                                      -37-
<PAGE>   38
         In March 1993, Mesa adopted a directors' stock option plan for outside
         directors. This plan provides for the grant of options for up to
         800,000 shares of Mesa's common stock at fair market value on the date
         of grant. This is a formula-based plan under which 100,000 options have
         been granted. In 1996 shareholders voted to reduce the number of
         options available for granting under the plan by 590,000. There are
         110,000 remaining options available for granting under this plan.

         On December 9, 1994, Mesa adopted an additional directors' stock option
         plan for outside directors. This plan provides for the grant of options
         for up to 50,000 shares of Mesa's common stock at fair market value on
         the date of grant. This is a formula-based plan under which 24,000
         options have been granted.

         Transactions in stock options under these plans are summarized as
follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  Shares under                        Exercisable
                                                    options        Price range           shares
                                                  -----------------------------------------------
<S>                                               <C>             <C>                 <C>
Outstanding at September 30, 1993                  2,219,273      $1.34 - $19.25       1,124,042
     Granted                                         658,400      $7.25 - $17.25
     Exercised                                      (534,129)     $1.34 - $12.75
     Canceled                                       (118,324)     $1.40 - $ 7.34

Outstanding at September 30, 1994                  2,225,220                           1,099,318
     Granted                                         273,200      $6.00 - $ 8.38
     Exercised                                      (687,487)     $1.34 - $ 7.75
     Canceled                                       (185,867)     $7.09 - $17.25

Outstanding at September 30, 1995                  1,625,066                             946,204
     Granted                                       2,007,125      $9.13 - $11.88
     Exercised                                       194,759      $7.09 - $ 8.50
     Canceled                                         48,385      $7.75 - $16.00
Outstanding at September 30, 1996                  3,389,047                           1,509,332
</TABLE>


         At September 30, 1996, there were 977,542 shares of common stock
         available for grant under these plans.

         At its December 1, 1995 meeting, the Board of Directors of Mesa
         approved a stock buy-back program under which cash generated by
         operations may be used to repurchase Mesa common stock. During fiscal
         year 1996, Mesa repurchased 5.5 million shares having a value of
         approximately $54 million. The Board's intent is that available cash
         not required for working capital, general corporate purposes or other
         investment opportunities be used to repurchase Mesa common stock.


8.       Benefit Plans

         Mesa and WestAir have 401(k) plans under which employees may contribute
         up to 15 percent of their annual compensation, as defined. Mesa and
         WestAir currently make matching contributions of 50 percent of employee
         contributions up to 10 percent. To be eligible to participate in their
         respective plans, employees must be at least 21 years of age, have a
         minimum of one year of service with Mesa and have worked at least 1,000
         hours. These plans are not available to certain union employees. Upon
         completing three years' service, the employee is 20 percent vested in
         employer contributions and the remainder of the employer contributions
         vest 20 percent per year.

                                      -38-
<PAGE>   39
         The employees become fully vested in employer contributions after seven
         years of employment. Mesa has the right to terminate the 401(k) plan at
         any time.

         Contributions by Mesa to the above plans for the years ended September
         30, 1996, 1995 and 1994 were $1,286,746, $1,097,023, and $894,633,
         respectively.

         A management incentive program (Omnibus Plan), approved in September
         1995 and ratified by shareholders at the April 1996 annual meeting, has
         a cash incentive provision that ties the corporate officers to an
         increase in the earnings per share over the previous year, and the
         division/subsidiary executives to a specified rate of return on
         revenue. The total incentive expense under the Omnibus Plan for fiscal
         year 1996 and 1995 was approximately $1.9 million and $165,000
         respectively.

         On March 9, 1993, Mesa adopted an Employee Stock Bonus Plan which
         provides for employees of Mesa to receive shares of Common Stock in
         lieu of discretionary cash bonuses accrued each quarter. The custodian
         of the plan is empowered to determine the times at which and the
         conditions under which the plan, on behalf of participating employees,
         purchases shares of Common Stock. All purchases of Common Stock by the
         custodian will be made at prices approximating fair market value on the
         date of purchase, subject to the limitation that only 1,000,000 shares
         may be purchased over the life of the plan. The bonuses paid under the
         plan for the year ended September 30, 1996, 1995 and 1994 were
         $969,937, $541,044, and $2,059,000, respectively. Employees of Mesa who
         participate in Mesa's management incentive program are not eligible to
         receive a stock bonus under the employee plan. As of September 30,
         1996, a total of 370,632 shares have been issued pursuant to the plan.

9.       Lease Commitments

         a.       Operating Leases

                  At September 30, 1996, Mesa leased 73 aircraft under
                  noncancelable operating leases with remaining terms ranging up
                  to 16.5 years. The aircraft leases require Mesa to pay all
                  taxes, maintenance, insurance and other operating expenses.
                  Mesa has the option to terminate the leases at various times
                  throughout the lease. Lease deposits totaling $1.0 million
                  have been paid to secure the leases and are included in lease
                  and equipment deposits on the accompanying consolidated
                  balance sheet at September 30, 1996.

                  Certain lease agreements contain provisions which, among other
                  things, require Mesa to maintain (i) certain levels of net
                  worth, (ii) the code-sharing agreement between United and
                  WestAir, and (iii) certain debt and working capital ratios.
                  Payment of cash dividends is also restricted. At September 30,
                  1996, Mesa was in compliance with these provisions.

                  In accordance with provisions of certain aircraft lease
                  agreements, Mesa is required to fund certain cash deposits to
                  trustees based on flight hours incurred for the payment of
                  certain engine and airframe maintenance costs of leased
                  aircraft. In December 1990, Mesa negotiated an agreement which
                  suspended certain of its cash deposit requirements. The
                  aircraft lessors have agreed to continue to waive the payment
                  requirements on a month-to-month basis.

                  Aggregate rental expense totaled $59 million, $65.6 million
                  (net of $0.8 million of sublease income), and $44.8 million
                  (net of $8.2 million of sublease income) for the years ended
                  September 30, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.



                                      -39-
<PAGE>   40
                  Future minimum lease payments under noncancelable operating
                  leases are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                            Year ending September 30
                         --------------------------------
                                    (in thousands)
<S>                                              <C>
                         1997                    $ 38,649
                         1998                      34,182
                         1999                      32,774
                         2000                      30,651
                         2001                      27,335
                         Thereafter               118,301
</TABLE>


10.      Aircraft Acquisitions  and Commitments

         At September 30, 1996, Mesa had commitments to acquire nine Beechcraft
         model 1900D aircraft prior to December 31, 1996. Beech Acceptance
         Corporation has agreed to provide lease or debt financing, at Mesa's
         option. Mesa has made a $25,000 deposit for each of these aircraft
         which is included in lease and equipment deposits at September 30, 1996
         in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. Mesa has the option
         under certain specified conditions to trade in at stipulated value its
         1900C aircraft in "as-is" FAR Part 135 airworthy condition as new 1900D
         aircraft are received. As of September 30, 1996, five 1900C aircraft
         remained for trade-in which will be returned by December 31, 1996.

         Mesa accepted delivery of two Fokker 70 jet aircraft during the summer
         of 1995. Mesa's purchase contract included an option to acquire six
         additional aircraft. The agreement with Fokker allowed Mesa the right
         to return the two aircraft to Fokker from 12 to 18 months after
         delivery, subject to a six-month notification.

         During January 1996, Fokker announced a suspension of payments to its
         creditors. By April 1996, Fokker had entered into liquidation and was
         unable to provide the six additional Fokker 70 aircraft under option to
         Mesa. Therefore, since management believed a fleet of two Fokker 70s
         could not be operated profitably, the Company noticed the return of the
         two Fokker 70 aircraft.

         Daimler-Benz, the owner of the Fokker aircraft, and Mesa have
         negotiated an agreement in principle which allows Mesa to continue
         operating the two aircraft through August 1997 at existing lease rates
         in exchange for the Company's agreement to pay for time-related costs
         use of the aircraft through the date of return. At June 30, 1996, the
         Company accrued a provision for the hours utilized on the aircraft
         through June 30, 1996. In addition, the Company will continue to accrue
         additional time-related aircraft costs on an hourly basis through the
         remainder of the lease term of the aircraft. At June 30, 1996 the
         Company accrued an aircraft return provision for all other estimated
         costs related to the return of these two aircraft.

         Mesa has an aircraft order with Bombardier, Inc. to acquire 25 de
         Havilland Dash 8-200 aircraft worth $262.5 million with deliveries
         scheduled in early 1996 through March 1997. Due to production delays,
         the delivery schedule was delayed and Mesa was granted an option to
         cancel up to five of the 25 aircraft on order. As of September 30,
         1996, Mesa had taken delivery of only five of the scheduled 14 Dash
         8-200 aircraft. Mesa has arranged financing commitments for 10 of the
         25 aircraft and is presently arranging financing for the remaining
         aircraft on order. Bombardier will participate as needed to finance any
         new aircraft deliveries. Mesa also has an option to acquire 25
         additional de Havilland Dash 8-200 aircraft. The Dash-8-200 aircraft
         purchase agreement provides for a spare parts supply program, which
         includes all required parts to maintain the aircraft, excluding engines
         and propellers, for a period of seven years. Mesa will pay a fixed
         hourly charge per flight hour for this spare parts supply program.


                                      -40-
<PAGE>   41
         During August 1996, Mesa entered into a memorandum of understanding to
         acquire 16 Canadair Regional 50-passenger jet aircraft ("CRJs") worth
         approximately $320 million with deliveries to begin in February 1997.
         Mesa will trade in 12 Embraer Brasilia aircraft on the 16 Canadair
         Regional jet aircraft on order. An $8.3 million deposit has been made
         to Bombardier, Inc. related to this commitment, and Bombardier will
         participate as needed to provide financing for the CRJs.
         Mesa has options to acquire an additional 32 CRJ aircraft.


11.      Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             September 30

                                     1996        1995        1994
                                    ------------------------------
                                            (in thousands)
<S>                                 <C>         <C>         <C>
Cash paid for interest              $12,047     $6,354      $7,861

Cash paid for income taxes          $12,445     $4,961      $7,148
</TABLE>

         Mesa purchased property and equipment and made lease deposits upon
         which debt was assumed or incurred totaling approximately $110.8
         million for the year ended September 30, 1994. In 1995, Mesa did not
         purchase any property or equipment upon which debt was assumed. During
         1996 Mesa purchased property and equipment upon which debt was assumed
         of approximately $280 million.


12.      Commitments and Contingencies

         During November 1996, Mesa Air Group reached a five-year agreement with
         the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) for a single pilot contract for
         all Mesa divisions and Air Midwest, Inc. The contract provides for
         industry-average pay, improved work rules and excellent opportunities
         for advancement. This contract will result in additional annual pilot
         payroll expense of approximately $3.1 million. WestAir pilots are also
         represented by ALPA and are currently in federal mediation regarding
         their contract negotiations. Air Midwest mechanics are represented by
         the International Association of Machinists (IAM) and WestAir flight
         attendants are represented by the Association of Flight Attendants
         (AFA). During the current year, Mountain West flight attendants voted
         to join AFA and are in contract negotiations. No Mesa Air Group
         divisions or subsidiaries are parties to any other collective
         bargaining agreement or union contracts.

         During December 1995, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
         announced rules which require commuter airlines with aircraft of 10 or
         more passenger seats operating under FAR Part 135 rules to begin
         operating those aircraft under FAR Part 121 regulations by the end of
         March 1997. Mesa is one of the largest regional airlines operating
         under FAR Part 135 regulations. In anticipation of Mesa's conversion to
         FAR Part 121 and to address issues raised in past inspections, the FAA
         began a special review of Mesa's operations in June 1996.

         As a result of the special review by the FAA of Mesa's operations, a
         consent order was signed in September 1996 assessing a compromise civil
         penalty of $500,000. Mesa paid $250,000 of the compromise amount, and
         the remaining $250,000 will be waived upon Mesa complying with
         provisions of the consent order. Under the consent order, Mesa has
         agreed to adopt operational standards that exceed the requirements of
         the Federal Aviation Regulations. The consent order requires that
         control of operational areas (maintenance, flight operations and
         training) be consolidated under one central management team. The
         Company has until March 1997 to complete the specified tasks, and as of
         December 7, 1996 was on or ahead of the schedule set forth in the
         order.


                                      -41-
<PAGE>   42
         Based on the required conversion to FAR Part 121 and the provisions of
         the FAA consent order, Mesa anticipates a one-time capital expenditure
         of approximately $1.0 million in fiscal 1997 to bring all aircraft
         currently being operated by Mesa into compliance with the enacted FAR
         Part 121 rules. In addition, Mesa presently anticipates ongoing
         operational costs in order to comply with the FAR Part 121 rules and
         consent order of approximately $2.5 million per year.

         Recent events in Mesa's Denver system have resulted in many consumer
         complaints regarding the quality of service in that system. A United
         States Senator and two Congressmen from Colorado have also complained
         publicly about the service in the Denver system and requested a
         Congressional investigation regarding the service level there.

         In response to these concerns, Mesa has made significant efforts to
         improve the Denver situation including hiring additional customer
         service personnel and placing spare aircraft with flight crew in
         Denver to assist in reducing flight cancellations. These actions have
         reduced the operational problems in Denver. The Company has retained
         the services of a public relations firm and a government affairs firm
         to address its relationships with local communities and government
         representatives. The Company has received no further indication that a
         Congressional investigation regarding the service level in Denver will
         occur.

         During September 1996, the Department of Transportation (DOT) requested
         supplemental information from Mesa as part of its continuing fitness
         review obligations. The DOT has stated the request was made because of
         the Company's expansion into jet service. Mesa has supplied all
         requested information, and it does not anticipate any action will be
         taken by the DOT.

         WestAir Commuter Airlines, Inc. and ALPA were engaged in alleged
         unlawful misconduct litigation against each other. Each party sought
         injunctive relief and monetary damages. This matter was dismissed by
         mutual consent of both parties.

         During 1994, seven shareholder class action complaints were filed in
         the United States District Court for the District of New Mexico against
         Mesa, certain of its present and former corporate officers and
         directors, and certain underwriters who participated in Mesa's June
         1993 public offering of common stock. These complaints have been
         consolidated by court order, and, after the court granted in part a
         motion to dismiss in May 1996, a second amended consolidated complaint
         was filed alleging that during various periods the defendants caused or
         permitted Mesa to issue publicly misleading financial statements and
         other misleading statements in annual and quarterly reports to
         shareholders, press releases and interviews with securities analysts.
         The current complaint alleges that these statements misrepresented
         Mesa's financial performance and condition, its business, the status of
         its operations, its earnings, its capacity to achieve profitable growth
         and its future business prospects, all with the purpose and effect of
         artificially inflating the market price of common stock of Mesa
         throughout the relevant period. The complaint further alleges that
         certain officers and directors of the Company illegally profited from
         sales of Mesa common stock during these periods. The complaint seeks
         damages against the defendants in an amount to be determined at trial
         (including rescission and/or money damages as appropriate),
         disgorgement of all insider trading profits earned by defendants in
         connection with the sale of common stock of Mesa, and reasonable
         attorney, accountant and expert fees. During October 1995, the court
         granted class certification in the action. Mesa has accrued
         approximately $5.7 million to vigorously defend the class action
         litigation, of which $4.1 million is included in Deferred Credits as of
         September 30, 1996.

         Mesa and the corporate officers and directors deny the allegations made
         against them in these lawsuits. Further, Mesa and the corporate
         officers and directors believe they have substantial and meritorious
         defenses against these allegations and intend to continue to defend
         their position vigorously. However, should an unfavorable resolution of
         this litigation occur, it is possible that Mesa's future results of
         operations or cash flows could be materially affected in a particular
         period.


                                      -42-
<PAGE>   43
         In a related case, in September 1994, a shareholder derivative suit was
         filed in the United States District Court for the District of New
         Mexico, purportedly on behalf of Mesa. The derivative lawsuit was
         dismissed by the Court on August 12, 1996.

         Mesa is also a party to legal proceedings and claims which arise during
         the ordinary course of business, none of which are expected to have a
         material adverse effect on Mesa's financial position.

         In the belief of management, based upon information known at this time,
         the ultimate outcome of these proceedings and claims pending against
         Mesa is not expected to have a material adverse effect on Mesa's
         financial position.


13.      Financial Instrument Disclosure

         The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, notes
         receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value due to the short
         maturity periods of these instruments. The fair value of marketable
         securities is based on quoted market prices (see note 2).

         Substantially all of Mesa's long-term debt bears interest at rates
         which fluctuate with market rates and therefore the carrying amounts
         approximate fair value.


14.      Valuation and Qualifying Accounts


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               Balance at        Additions
                                              beginning of    charged to costs                  Balance at end
                                                  year          and expenses     Deductions        of year
                                              ----------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                           <C>            <C>                 <C>           <C>
Allowance for obsolescence deducted
  from expendable parts and supplies

    September 30, 1996                           1,200               150             --             1,350

    September 30, 1995                           1,695                --            495             1,200

    September 30, 1994                           1,250               600            155             1,695
</TABLE>

         During fiscal year 1995, $495,000 of allowance for obsolescence was
         transferred to Other Assets.




                                      -43-
<PAGE>   44
15.      Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

         The following table presents selected quarterly unaudited financial
         data (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                First        Second       Third     Fourth
1996                                           Quarter       Quarter     Quarter    Quarter
- ----                                          ---------------------------------------------
<S>                                           <C>           <C>         <C>        <C>
Operating revenues                            $120,029      $120,974    $130,274   $129,086

Operating income                                 7,602         8,324      14,305     17,763

Net earnings                                     3,874        11,865       6,525      8,143

Net earnings per share                        $   0.12      $   0.39    $   0.23   $   0.29

                                                First        Second       Third     Fourth
1995                                           Quarter       Quarter     Quarter    Quarter
- ----                                          ---------------------------------------------

Operating revenues                            $101,828      $106,885    $118,076   $128,350

Operating income                                 5,779         2,264       7,141     14,388

Net earnings                                     2,745            63       3,615      7,589

Net earnings per share                        $   0.08      $   0.00    $   0.11   $   0.23
                                              ---------------------------------------------
</TABLE>



Item 9.  Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and
         Financial Disclosure

         None.

                                      -44-

<PAGE>   45
PART III

Item 10.          Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant

The following table sets forth the names and ages of the directors and executive
officers of Mesa and certain additional information:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                       DIRECTOR
NAME                       AGE      POSITION                                             SINCE
- ----                       ---      --------                                             -----

<S>                       <C>      <C>                                                   <C>
Larry L. Risley(1)         52       Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of              1983
                                    the Board of Directors of Mesa Air Group, Inc.

Clark Stevens              46       Director, President of Mesa Air Group, Inc.,         1995
                                    and Chief Operating Officer

Blaine M. Jones            42       Director                                             1985

E. Janie Risley(1)         50       Director                                             1983

George W. Pennington       68       Director                                             1986

Richard C. Poe             62       Director                                             1986

Jack Braly                 55       Director                                             1993

W. Stephen Jackson         49       Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer                    --
                                    and Vice President of Finance

Gary E. Risley(1)          38       Secretary, Vice President of Legal                    --
                                    Affairs and General Counsel
</TABLE>

Larry L. and E. Janie Risley are husband and wife and Larry L. Risley is Gary E.
Risley's uncle.


The directors hold office until the next annual meeting of shareholders and
until their successors are elected and qualified. Mesa pays each director who is
not an officer of Mesa a nominal fee for each meeting of the Board of Directors
attended and reimburses expenses incurred in attending meetings.


LARRY L. RISLEY is Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of
Directors of Mesa, positions he has held since Mesa was incorporated in 1983. He
served as President of Mesa from 1983 until February 1995. From April 1979 until
August 1982, Mr. Risley was President of Mesa Aviation Services, Inc., the fixed
base operator at Farmington, New Mexico.

E. JANIE RISLEY is a member of Mesa's Board of Directors. From August 1982 until
June 1990, Ms. Risley was Executive Vice President and Vice President
responsible for personnel management, reservations, and station operations.

Larry L. Risley and E. Janie Risley are husband and wife.

CLARK STEVENS was named President of Mesa Air Group, Inc. in February 1995 and
became a member of the Board of Directors in March 1995. He served as President
of FloridaGulf since February 1993. From December 1992 to February 1993, Mr.
Stevens served as Vice President-DFW Division with Simmons Airlines dba American
Eagle. From September 1990 to December 1992, he served as Executive Vice
President of Metroflight, Inc. dba American Eagle ("Metro"). In 1991, Metro
filed for bankruptcy protection under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy
Code. Metro emerged from Bankruptcy

                                      -45-
<PAGE>   46
during 1992. Prior to his service at Metro, from August 1975 to September 1990,
Mr. Stevens served as President of Chaparral Airlines, Inc.

BLAINE M. JONES is a member of the Board of Directors. Prior to his resignation
from Mesa in March 1995, Mr. Jones held the position of President of Mountain
West since July 1994 and Chief Financial Officer from April 1985 through March
1994 and Treasurer from December 1985 through July 1994.

GEORGE W. PENNINGTON has been a director of Mesa since January 1986. Mr.
Pennington is President of Farmer Family Center, Inc., a retail supermarket;
President of REDROX, Inc., a real estate development company; and general
partner of Pennington Partnerships, a real estate development company, all
located in Bloomfield, New Mexico.

RICHARD C. POE has been a director of Mesa since January 1986. He has been
President and Chief Executive Officer of Dick Poe Chrysler-Plymouth, Inc. since
1962 and of Dick Poe Pontiac-Toyota, Inc. since 1980. He is also a director of M
Bank, El Paso, Texas.

JACK BRALY was appointed as director of Mesa in December 1993. Mr. Braly is
currently serving as President of Sino Swearingen, a corporate jet manufacturer.
He served as Vice President and General Manager -- North American Aircraft
Modification of Rockwell International Corporation from June 1994 to August
1996. He served as the President of Beech Aircraft Corporation from March 1991
until July 1993. Mr. Braly began with Beech in 1978 and worked in various
management positions including Vice President of Operations and Vice President
of Manufacturing until becoming President in March 1991.

GARY E. RISLEY is Secretary, Vice President of Legal Affairs and General Counsel
for Mesa. He has held the position of General Counsel since September 1987 and
the position of Corporate Secretary since March 1988. He has served as Vice
President of Legal Affairs since February 1989. Mr. Risley is the nephew of
Larry L. Risley, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Mesa.

W. STEPHEN JACKSON, a Certified Public Accountant, was appointed Chief Financial
Officer of Mesa Air Group, Inc. in March 1994. In July 1994 he assumed the
additional responsibilities of Treasurer and Vice President of Finance.
Immediately prior to joining Mesa Air Group, Inc., Mr. Jackson was President of
WSJ Development Company, a financial consulting and real estate development
firm. Before that, Mr. Jackson was a partner at KPMG Peat Marwick serving
clients for over 20 years in the transportation, financial institution, real
estate and high technology industries.


Item 11.          Executive Compensation

The information set forth in the 1996 Proxy Statement to shareholders is
incorporated herein by reference.


Item 12.          Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

The information set forth in the 1996 Proxy Statement to shareholders is
incorporated herein by reference.


Item 13.          Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

Mesa will enter into future business arrangements with related parties only
where such arrangements are approved by a majority of disinterested directors
and are on terms at least as favorable as available from unaffiliated third
parties.

                                      -46-
<PAGE>   47
PART IV

Item 14.          Exhibits, Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K

(A)      Documents filed as part of this report:


         1.       Reference is made to consolidated financial statement
                  schedules in item 8 hereof.

         2.       Reports on Form 8-K

                  Other events - August 19, 1996 Other events - September 27,
                  1996

         3.       Exhibits

                  The following exhibits are either filed as part of this report
                  or are incorporated herein by reference from documents
                  previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
    EXHIBIT
    NUMBER      DESCRIPTION                                    REFERENCE
    ------      -----------                                    ---------
<S>             <C>                                            <C>
      2.1       Plan and Agreement of Merger of Mesa Air       Filed herewith
                Group, Inc. into Mesa Holding, Inc. dated
                September 16, 1996

      3.1       Articles of Incorporation of Mesa Air          Filed herewith
                Holdings, Inc. dated May 28, 1996

      3.2       Bylaws of Mesa Air Group, Inc., as             Filed herewith
                amended to date

      4.1       Form of Common Stock certificate               Filed as Exhibit 4.5 to Amendment No. 1 to
                                                               Registrant's Form S-18, Registration No. 33-
                                                               11765 filed March 6, 1987, incorporated herein
                                                               by reference

      4.2       Form of Common Stock certificate (issued       Filed as Exhibit 4.8 to Form S-1, Registration
                after November 12, 1990)                       No. 33-35556 effective December 6, 1990,
                        incorporated herein by reference

      4.8       Form of Employee Non-Incentive Stock           Filed as Exhibit 4.12 to Registrant's Form 10-K
                Option Plan, dated as of June 2, 1992          for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1992,
                                                               Commission File No. 33-15495, incorporated
                                                               herein by reference

      4.9       Form of Non-Incentive Stock Option issued      Filed as Exhibit 4.13 to Registrant's Form 10-K
                under Mesa Airlines, Inc. Employee Non-        for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1992,
                Incentive Stock Option Plan, dated as of       Commission File No. 33-15495, incorporated
                June 2, 1992                                   herein by reference

     4.10       Form of Mesa Airlines, Inc.                    Filed  as Exhibits 4.1, 4.2 and 4.3 to
                Outside Directors Stock Option                 Registration No. 33-09395 effective August 1,
                Plan, dated as of March 9, 1993                1996
                                                               
</TABLE>


                                      -47-
<PAGE>   48
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
    EXHIBIT
    NUMBER      DESCRIPTION                                    REFERENCE
    ------      -----------                                    ---------
<S>             <C>                                            <C>
     4.11       Form of Stock Option issued under Mesa         Filed  as Exhibit 4.4 to Registration No. 33-
                Airlines, Inc. Outside Director's Stock        09395 effective August 1, 1996
                Option Plan, dated as of March 9, 1993

     4.12       Form of Mesa Airlines, Inc.                    Filed as Exhibit 4.5 to Registration No. 33-
                Additional Outside Directors Stock             09395 effective August 1, 1996
                Option Plan dated as of December 9, 1994       

     4.13       Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Issued      Filed as Exhibit 4.6 to Registration No. 33-
                Under Mesa Airlines, Inc. Additional           09395 effective August 1, 1996
                Outside Directors' Stock Option Plan

     4.14       Form of Mesa Air Group, Inc. Restated and      Filed as Exhibit 4.1 to Registration No. 33-
                Amended Employee Stock Option Plan             02791 effective April 24, 1996
                dated April 23, 1996

     4.15       Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option issued      Filed as Exhibit 4.2 to Registration No. 33-
                under Mesa Air Group, Inc. Restated and        02791 effective April 24, 1996
                Amended Employee Stock Option Plan
                dated April 23, 1996

     4.16       Form of Qualified Stock Option issued          Filed as Exhibit 4.3 to Registration No. 33-
                under Mesa Air Group, Inc. Restated and        02791 effective April 24, 1996
                Amended Employee Stock Option Plan
                dated April 23, 1996

     10.17      Agreement between Beech Aircraft               Filed as Exhibit 10.30 to Form S-1,
                Corporation and Mesa Airlines, Inc., dated     Registration No. 33-35556 effective December
                April 30, 1990                                 6, 1990, incorporated herein by reference

     10.18      Sublease Agreement between Air Midwest,        Filed as Exhibit 10.32.1 to Form S-1,
                Inc. and Mesa Airlines, Inc., dated April 27,  Registration No. 33-35556 effective December
                1990 for Embraer Brasilia aircraft 120.180     6, 1990, incorporated herein by reference

     10.20      Agreement between Air Midwest, Inc. and        Filed as Exhibit 10.32.3 to Form S-1,
                Mesa Airlines, Inc., dated February 27,        Registration No. 33-35556 effective December
                1990, for purchase of four Embraer Brasilia    6, 1990, incorporated herein by reference
                aircraft

     10.21      Letter Agreement between McDonnell             Filed as Exhibit 10.32.4 to Form S-1,
                Douglas Finance Corporation, Air Midwest,      Registration No. 33-35556 effective December
                Inc. and Mesa Airlines, Inc., dated March      6, 1990, incorporated herein by reference
                19, 1990, as amended, regarding lease and
                sublease of four Embraer Brasilia aircraft

     10.22      Sublease Agreement between Air Midwest         Filed as Exhibit 10.32.5 to Form S-1,
                Inc. and Mesa Airlines, Inc., dated July 26,   Registration No. 33-35556 effective December
                1990, for Embraer Brasilia aircraft 120.193    6, 1990, incorporated herein by reference

     10.23      Lease Agreement between McDonnell              Filed as Exhibit 10.32.6 to Form S-1,
                Douglas Finance Corporation and Mesa           Registration No. 33-35556 effective December
                Airlines, Inc., dated July 26, 1990, for       6, 1990, incorporated herein by reference
                Embraer Brasilia aircraft 120.193

     10.24      Sublease Agreement between Air Midwest         Filed as Exhibit 10.32.7 to Form S-1,
                Inc. and Mesa Airlines, Inc., dated            Registration No. 33-35556 effective December
                September 26, 1990, for Embraer Brasilia       6, 1990, incorporated herein by reference
                aircraft 120.203
</TABLE>


                                      -48-
<PAGE>   49
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
    EXHIBIT
    NUMBER      DESCRIPTION                                    REFERENCE
    ------      -----------                                    ---------
<S>             <C>                                            <C>
     10.25      Lease Agreement between McDonnell              Filed as Exhibit 10.32.8 to Form S-1,
                Douglas Finance Corporation and Mesa           Registration No. 33-35556 effective December 6, 1990,
                Airlines, Inc., dated September 26, 1990, for  incorporated herein by reference
                Embraer Brasilia aircraft 120.203

     10.27      Expanded Partner Agreement between             Filed as Exhibit 19.3 to Registrant's Form 10-Q
                United Air Lines, Inc., and Mesa Airlines,     for the quarterly period ended June 30, 1990,
                Inc., dated February 15, 1990                  Commission File No. 0-15495, incorporated
                                                               herein by reference

     10.29      Form of Directors' and Officers'               Filed as Exhibit 10.41 to Form S-1,
                Indemnification Agreement                      Registration No. 33-35556 effective December
                                                               6, 1990, incorporated herein by reference

     10.31      Agreement Relating to the Settlement of        Filed as Exhibit 10.45 to Form S-1,
                Interline Accounts through Airlines Clearing   Registration No. 33-35556 effective December
                House, Inc., between Airlines Clearing         6, 1990, incorporated herein by reference
                House, Inc. and Mesa Airlines, Inc., dated
                September 2, 1981

     10.32      Agreement between Beech Aircraft               Filed as Exhibit 10.42 to Form 10-K for fiscal
                Corporation and Mesa Airlines, Inc., dated     year ended September 30, 1991, Commission
                September 18, 1991                             File No. 0-15495, incorporated herein by
                                                               reference

     10.33      Agreement between USAir, Inc. and Air          Filed as Exhibit 10.43 to Form 10-K for fiscal
                Midwest, Inc.                                  year ended September 30, 1991, Commission
                                                               File No. 0-15495, incorporated herein by
                                                               reference

     10.34      Agreement between USAir, Inc. and              Filed as Exhibit 10.44 to Form 10-K for fiscal
                FloridaGulf Airlines, Inc.                     year ended September 30, 1991, Commission
                                                               File No. 0-15495, incorporated herein by
                                                               reference

     10.35      Sublease agreement between Trans States        Filed as Exhibit 10.45 to Form 10-K for fiscal
                Airlines, Inc. and Air Midwest, Inc.           year ended September 30, 1992, Commission
                                                               File No. 0-15495, incorporated herein by
                                                               reference

     10.37      Agreement between Beech Aircraft               Filed as Exhibit 10.47 to Form 10-K for fiscal
                Corporation, Beech Acceptance                  year ended September 30, 1992, Commission
                Corporation, Inc. and Mesa Airlines, Inc.,     File No. 0-15495, incorporated herein by
                dated August 21, 1992                          reference

     10.38      Agreement between America West Airlines,       Filed as Exhibit 10.48 to Form 10-K for fiscal
                Inc. and Mesa Airlines, Inc.                   year ended September 30, 1992, Commission
                                                               File No. 0-15495, incorporated herein by
                                                               reference

     10.39      Agreement between United Air Lines, Inc.       Filed as Exhibit 10.49 to Form 10-K for fiscal
                and WestAir Commuter Airlines, Inc.            year ended September 30, 1992, Commission
                (WestAir)                                      File No. 0-15495, incorporated herein by
                                                               reference

     10.40      Plan and Agreement to Merge between Mesa       Filed as Exhibit A to Form S-4 Registration
                Airlines, Inc., Mesa Acquisition Corporation   No. 33-45638, effective April 17, 1992,
                and WestAir Holding, Inc., dated February      incorporated herein by reference
                7, 1992.

     10.41      Certificate of Public Convenience and          Filed as Exhibit 10.1(a) to WestAir Holding,
                Necessity for WestAir Commuter Airlines,       Inc.'s Registration Statement on Form S-1,
                Inc.                                           Commission File No. 33-24316, incorporated
                                                               herein by reference
</TABLE>

                                      -49-
<PAGE>   50
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
    EXHIBIT
    NUMBER      DESCRIPTION                                    REFERENCE
    ------      -----------                                    ---------
<S>             <C>                                            <C>
     10.42      Air Carrier Operating Certificate for          Filed as Exhibit 10. to WestAir Holding, Inc.'s
                WestAir                                        Registration Statement on Form S-1,
                                                               Commission File No. 33-24316, incorporated
                                                               herein by reference

     10.46      Original Agreement to Lease dated as of        Filed as Exhibit 10.44 to WestAir Holding,
                April 27, 1987 between NPA, Inc. ("NPA")       Inc.'s Registration Statement on Form S-1,
                and British Aerospace, Inc. ("BAe") with a     Commission File No. 33-24316, incorporated
                Letter to FG Holdings, Inc. ("FGH") dated      herein by reference
                March 11, 1988 and Amendment No. 1 to
                Agreement to Lease dated as of March 3,
                1988 between BAe and FGH

     10.47      Side Letter Agreement to NPA from JACO         Filed as Exhibit 10.48 to WestAir Holding,
                dated June 4, 1987                             Inc.'s Registration Statement on Form S-1,
                                                               Commission File No. 33-24316, incorporated
                                                               herein by reference

     10.49      Employment Agreement dated as of               Filed as Exhibit 10.51(b) to WestAir Holding,
                September 1, 1988 between WestAir and          Inc.'s Registration Statement on Form S-1,
                Maurice J. Gallagher Jr.                       Commission File No. 33-24316, incorporated
                                                               herein by reference

     10.50      Aviation Land and Building Lease and           Filed as Exhibit 10.164 to the Pre-effective
                Agreement between City of Fresno,              Amendment No. 1, filed October 19, 1988, to
                California and WestAir dated January 7,        WestAir Holding, Inc.'s Registration Statement
                1986                                           on Form S-1, Commission File No. 33-24316,
                                                               incorporated herein by reference

     10.51      Airport Operating Permit between Airport       Filed as Exhibit 10.67 to WestAir Holding,
                Commission of City and County of San           Inc.'s Registration Statement on Form S-1,
                Francisco and WestAir                          Commission File No. 33-24316, incorporated
                                                               herein by reference

     10.58      Promissory Note to Textron for spare parts     Filed as Exhibit 10.80 to WestAir Holding,
                as executed by WestAir, dated December 30,     Inc.'s Form 10-K dated December 31, 1988,
                1988                                           Commission File No. 33-24316, incorporated
                                                               herein by reference

     10.59      Agreement to lease Jetstream model 3101        Filed as Exhibit 2.1 to WestAir Holding, Inc.'s
                aircraft and Jetstream model 3201 aircraft     Form 8-K filed June 8, 1989, Commission File
                between BAe and WestAir, dated May 11,         No. 33-24316, incorporated herein by reference
                1989

     10.60      Amendment to Agreement to Lease dated          Filed as Exhibit 10.38 to WestAir Holding,
                May 11, 1989 between WestAir and BAe,          Inc.'s Form 10-K for the year ended December
                dated February 15, 1990                        31, 1989, Commission File No. 33-24316,
                                                               incorporated herein by reference

     10.61      Amended and Restated Stock Purchase            Filed as Exhibit 10.42(a) to WestAir Holding,
                Agreement, dated September 30, 1991            Inc.'s Form 10-K for the year ended December
                among WestAir Holding, Inc., WestAir           31, 1991, Commission File No. 33-24316,
                Commuter Airlines, Inc. and Atlantic Coast     incorporated herein by reference
                Airlines, Inc., relating to the sale of the
                Atlantic Coast division of WestAir
                Commuter Airlines, Inc.
</TABLE>


                                      -50-
<PAGE>   51
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
    EXHIBIT
    NUMBER      DESCRIPTION                                    REFERENCE
    ------      -----------                                    ---------
<S>             <C>                                            <C>
     10.65      Agreement of Purchase and Sales of Assets      Filed as Exhibit 10.90 to Mesa Airlines, Inc.
                by and among Crown Airways, Inc., Phillip      Form 10-K for the year ended September 30,
                R. Burnaman, A. J. Beiga and Mesa              1994, Commission File No. 0-15495
                Airlines, Inc., dated as of December 16,
                1993

     10.66      Supplemental Agreement  No. 9/03/94            Filed as Exhibit 10.66 to Mesa Airlines, Inc.
                Beechcraft 1900 D Airliner Acquisition         Form 10-K for the year ended September 30,
                Master Agreement between Mesa Airlines,        1994, Commission File No. 0-15495
                Inc., Beech Aircraft Corporation and Beech
                Acceptance Corporation, Inc., dated as of
                September 23, 1994

     10.67      Form of Lease Agreement between Beech          Filed as Exhibit 10.67 to Mesa Airlines, Inc.
                Acceptance Corporation, Inc. and Mesa          Form 10-K for the year ended September 30,
                Airlines, Inc.,  negotiated September 30,      1994, Commission File No. 0-15495
                1994 for all prospective 1900 D Airliner
                leases.

     10.68      Asset Purchase Agreement dated July 29,        Filed as Exhibit 10.68 to Mesa Airlines, Inc.
                1994 among Pennsylvania Commuter               Form 10-K for the year ended September 30,
                Airlines, Inc., dba Allegheny Commuter         1994, Commission File No. 0-15495
                Airlines, USAir Leasing and Services, Inc.,
                and Mesa Airlines, Inc.

     10.69      Letter Agreement in Principle dated as of      Filed as Exhibit 10.69 to Mesa Airlines, Inc.
                October 16, 1994 among Air Wisconsin,          Form 10-K for the year ended September 30,
                Inc., United Air Lines Inc. and Mesa           1994, Commission File No. 0-15495
                Airlines, Inc. (Certain portions deleted
                pursuant to request for confidential
                treatment)  (Referred to erroneously as
                Exhibit 10.94 in letter asking for
                confidential treatment to Securities and
                Exchange Commission dated 12-23-94 from
                Chapman & Cutler)

     10.70      Subscription Agreement between AmWest          Filed as Exhibit 10.70 to Mesa Airlines, Inc.
                Partners, L.P. and Mesa Airlines, Inc. dated   Form 10-K for the year ended September 30,
                as of June 28, 1994                            1994, Commission File No. 0-15495

     10.71      Omnibus Agreement                              Filed as Exhibit 10.71 to Mesa Air Group, Inc.
                                                               Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31,
                                                               1994, Commission File No. 0-15495

     10.72      Aircraft Purchase and Sale Agreement           Filed as Exhibit 10.72 to Mesa Air Group, Inc.
                                                               Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31,
                                                               1994, Commission File No. 0-15495

     10.73      Expendable and Rotable Spare Parts and         Filed as Exhibit 10.73 to Mesa Air Group, Inc.
                Sale Agreement                                 Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31,
                                                               1994, Commission File No. 0-15495

     10.74      United Express Agreement Amendment             Filed as Exhibit 10.74 to Mesa Air Group, Inc.
                                                               Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31,
                                                               1994, Commission File No. 0-15495

     10.75      Side Letter Agreement                          Filed as Exhibit 10.75 to Mesa Air Group, Inc.
                                                               Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31,
                                                               1994, Commission File No. 0-15495
</TABLE>

                                      -51-
<PAGE>   52
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
    EXHIBIT
    NUMBER      DESCRIPTION                                    REFERENCE
    ------      -----------                                    ---------
<S>             <C>                                            <C>
     10.76      First Amendment to Omnibus Agreement           Filed as Exhibit 10.76 to Mesa Air Group, Inc.
                                                               Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31,
                                                               1994, Commission File No. 0-15495

     10.77      Operating Lease Agreement                      Filed as Exhibit 10.77 to Mesa Air Group, Inc.
                                                               Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31,
                                                               1994, Commission File No. 0-15495

     10.78      Item 3. Legal Proceedings - Form 10-K          Filed as Exhibit 10.78 to Mesa Air Group, Inc.
                dated September 30, 1994                       Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31,
                                                               1994, Commission File No. 0-15495

     10.79      Purchase Agreement B95-7701-PA-200             Filed as Exhibit 10.79 to Mesa Air Group, Inc.
                between Bombardier, Inc. and Mesa              Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31,
                Airlines, Inc.                                 1995, Commission File No. 0-15495

     10.81      Letter of Understanding between Mesa           Filed as Exhibit 10.81 to Mesa Air Group, Inc.
                Air Group, Inc. and Raytheon Aircraft          Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31,
                Company (RAC) dated April 12, 1996.            1996, Commission File No. 0-15495
                (Request for confidential treatment
                submitted to SEC)

    *10.82      Supplemental Agreement No. 05/22/96,           Filed herewith
                Beechcraft 1900D Airliner Acquisition
                Master Agreement between Mesa Air
                Group, Inc., Raytheon Aircraft Company
                and Raytheon Aircraft Credit Corporation

     21.1       Subsidiaries list of Mesa Air Group, Inc.      Filed herewith

     23.1       Independent Auditors' Consent of KPMG          Filed herewith
                Peat Marwick LLP

     Ex-27      Financial Data Schedule                        Filed herewith
</TABLE>

- ------------- 
* This document has been filed separately with the Securities and Exchange
  Commission pursuant to a request for confidential treatment. An excised
  version of the documents is being filed as an exhibit hereto.

                                      -52-
<PAGE>   53
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

                                           MESA AIR GROUP, INC.


                                   By:     /s/ Larry L. Risley
                                           ----------------------------
                                           Larry L. Risley
                                           Chief Executive Officer and
                                           Chairman of the Board of Directors


                                   By:     /s/ W. Stephen Jackson
                                           ----------------------------
                                           W. Stephen Jackson
                                           Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer
                                             and Vice President of Finance



Dated:        December 23, 1996

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report
has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and
in the capacities and on the dates indicated.


<TABLE>
<S>                                 <C>                                                  <C>
/s/ Larry L. Risley                 Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, Director          December 23, 1996
- -----------------------------------
Larry L. Risley


/s/ J. Clark Stevens                President, Chief Operating Officer                   December 23, 1996
- -----------------------------------
J. Clark Stevens


/s/ Jack Braly                      Director                                             December 23, 1996
- -----------------------------------
Jack Braly


/s/ Blaine M. Jones                 Director                                             December 23, 1996
- ----------------------------------
Blaine M. Jones


/s/ E. Janie Risley                 Director                                             December 23, 1996
- ------------------------------------
E. Janie Risley


/s/ Richard C. Poe                  Director                                             December 23, 1996
- ----------------------------------
Richard C. Poe


/s/ George W. Pennington            Director                                             December 23, 1996
- ----------------------------
George W. Pennington
</TABLE>


                                      -53-

<PAGE>   1
                                                                     EXHIBIT 2.1

                          AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER

         THIS AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER ("Agreement") is made and entered
into as of September 16, 1996, by and between MESA AIR GROUP, INC., a New Mexico
corporation, 2325 East 30th Street, Farmington, New Mexico 87401 (hereinafter
referred to as "Mesa NM"), and MESA HOLDINGS, INC., a Nevada corporation 50 West
Liberty Street, Suite 650, Reno, Nevada 89501(hereinafter referred to as "Mesa
NV").

                                 R E C I T A L:

         WHEREAS, Mesa NM desires to merge into Mesa NV and thereby transfer to
Mesa NV all rights and property owned by it, such merger (the "Merger") is
provided for in this Agreement;

         NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises contained
herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and
sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, Mesa NM and Mesa NV hereby agree as
follows:

                               A G R E E M E N T:

         SECTION 1. Merger and the Surviving Corporation. (a) Subject to the
terms and conditions of this Agreement, Mesa NM shall be merged into Mesa NV
(which shall be the surviving corporation in the Merger) in accordance with the
New Mexico Business Corporation Act and the Nevada Revised Statutes. Following
the filing of Articles of Merger with the Secretary of State of Nevada, the
Merger shall become effective at the close of business on September 27, 1996
(the "Effective Time"). For purposes hereof, the term "Surviving Corporation"
shall mean Mesa NV as the corporation surviving in the Merger which will be
governed by the laws of the State of Nevada.

         (b) At the Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger, all the rights,
privileges, immunities and franchises, of a public as well as of a private
nature, of each of Mesa NM and Mesa NV and all property, real, personal and
mixed, and all debts due on whatever account, including choses in action, and
all and every other interest of or belonging to or due to each of Mesa NM and
Mesa NV shall be taken and deemed to be transferred to and vested in the
Surviving Corporation without further act or deed, and the Surviving Corporation
shall be responsible and liable for all of the liabilities and obligations of
each of Mesa NM and Mesa NV, all with the full effect provided for in the New
Mexico Business Corporation Act and the Nevada Revised Statutes.

         (c) The Articles of Incorporation of Mesa NV in effect immediately
prior to the Effective Time shall be the Articles of Incorporation of the
Surviving Corporation, until amended in accordance with the provisions thereof
and the Nevada Revised Statutes, except that the name of Mesa NV, the Surviving
Corporation, shall be changed to Mesa Air Group, Inc.
<PAGE>   2
           (d) The Bylaws of Mesa NV in effect immediately prior to the
Effective Time shall be the Bylaws of the Surviving Corporation, until altered,
amended or repealed.

           (e) The directors of Mesa NV in office immediately prior to the
Effective Time shall be the directors of the Surviving Corporation, until their
successors are elected in accordance with the Bylaws of the Surviving
Corporation and shall have been duly qualified.

           (f) The officers of Mesa NV in office immediately prior to the
Effective Time shall be the officers of the Surviving Corporation, holding the
offices in the Surviving Corporation which they then hold in Mesa NV, until
their successors are elected or appointed in accordance with the Bylaws of the
Surviving Corporation and shall have been duly qualified.

               SECTION 2.    Conversion of Stock.  At the Effective Time:

             Section 2.1. Mesa NV. (a) Each share of the Common Stock, without
par value, of Mesa NV which is issued immediately prior to the Effective Time
(whether then outstanding or held in the treasury of Mesa NV) shall be canceled
and returned to the status of authorized but unissued shares, without the
payment of any consideration therefor; and

           (b) Each share of the Preferred Stock, without par value, of Mesa NV
which is issued immediately prior to the Effective Time (whether then
outstanding or held in the treasury of Mesa NV) shall be canceled and returned
to the status of authorized but unissued shares without the payment of any
consideration therefor.

              Section 2.2 Mesa NM. (a) Each share of the Common Stock, without
par value, of Mesa NM which is issued immediately prior to the Effective Time
(whether then outstanding or held in the treasury of Mesa MN) shall be changed
and converted into one fully paid and non-assessable share of Mesa NV Common
Stock;

           (b) Each share of the Preferred Stock, without par value, of Mesa NM
which is issued immediately prior to the Effective Time (whether then
outstanding or held in the treasury of Mesa NM) shall be changed and converted
into one fully paid and nonassessable share of Mesa NV Preferred Stock; and

           (c) Each of the outstanding stock options granted by Mesa NM which is
outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be changed and
converted into a stock option of Mesa NV.

              Section 2.3 Stock Certificates. Each outstanding certificate that
prior to the Effective Time represented one share of either Common Stock or
Preferred Stock of Mesa NM shall be deemed for all purposes to evidence
ownership of and to represent one share of Common Stock or Preferred Stock of
Mesa NV, respectively, into which the share of Mesa NM represented by such
certificate has been converted as provided herein and shall be so registered on
the books and records of Mesa NV or its transfer agents. The registered owner of
any such outstanding stock certificate shall, until such certificate shall have
been surrendered for transfer or conversion or otherwise accounted for to Mesa
NV or its transfer agent, have and be entitled to exercise any voting and other
rights with respect to


                                      -2-
<PAGE>   3
and to receive any dividend and other distributions upon the share of Mesa NV
evidenced by such outstanding certificate as provided above.

               SECTION 3. Conditions Precedent. The obligations of the parties
to effect the Merger shall be subject to (a) the approval of this Agreement by
the Board of Directors of each of the constituent corporations and (b) the
approval of this Agreement by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a
majority of the outstanding shares of Common Stock of each of the constituent
corporations at meetings of the stockholders duly called and held.

               SECTION 4. Amendment. This Agreement may be amended by the
parties hereto, with the approval of their respective Boards of Directors, at
any time prior to the Effective Time, whether before or after approval of this
Agreement by the stockholders of the constituent corporations, but, after such
approval by the stockholders, no amendment shall be made which materially
adversely affects the rights of the stockholders of the constituent corporations
without further approval of such stockholders. This Agreement may not be
amended, except by an instrument in writing signed on behalf of each of the
parties hereto.

               SECTION 5.    Dissenters' Rights; Termination.

             Section 5.1. Dissenters' Rights. Any holder of issued and
outstanding shares of the Common Stock of Mesa NM who votes against the Merger
and enters his dissent in compliance with Section 53-15-4 of the New Mexico
Business Corporation Act, as amended (shares held by such shareholders shall be
referred to herein as "Dissenting Shares"), shall, subject to Section 5.2
hereof, receive cash in the amount of the fair market value of the Dissenting
Shares within the time and in the manner provided by Section 53-15-4 of the New
Mexico Business Corporation Act.

              Section 5.2 Termination. This Agreement may be terminated at any
time prior to the Effective Time, whether before or after approval hereof by the
shareholders or by the Board of Directors of either Mesa NV or Mesa NM:

           (a) At the option of the Board of Directors of Mesa NM, if the
holders of 10 percent or more of Mesa NM's issued and outstanding shares of
Common or Stock shall not have voted in favor of the Merger and such holders
shall have filed written objection and notice of their intent to exercise
dissenters' rights with the Secretary of Mesa NM before the taking of the vote
on the Merger in accordance with the New Mexico Business Corporation Act; or

           (b) By mutual agreement of the Board of Directors of Mesa NM and Mesa
NV.

         If this Agreement is terminated for any reason, no party hereto shall
have any liability hereunder of any nature whatsoever to the others.

           SECTION 6. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and
construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Nevada.

                                      -3-
<PAGE>   4
               SECTION 7. Further Assurances. From time to time after the
Effective Time as and when requested by the Surviving Corporation and to the
extent permitted by law, the officers and directors of each of Mesa NV and Mesa
NM last in office shall execute and deliver such assignments, deeds and other
instruments and shall take or cause to be taken such further or other actions as
shall be necessary in order to vest or perfect in or to confirm of record or
otherwise to the Surviving Corporation title to, and possession of, all of the
assets, rights, franchises and interests of each of Mesa NV and Mesa NM in and
to every type of property (real, personal and mixed) and choses in action, and
otherwise to carry out the purposes of this Agreement, and the proper officers
and directors of the Surviving Corporation are fully authorized to take any and
all such actions in the name of Mesa NV or Mesa NM or otherwise.

               SECTION 8. Execution in Counterparts. This Agreement may be
executed in two or more counterparts, which together shall constitute a single
agreement.

               IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Mesa NV and Mesa NM have caused this
Agreement to be signed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized,
all as of the date first written above.

                                       MESA HOLDINGS, INC., a Nevada corporation


                                       By: _____________________________________
                                           J. Clark Stevens, President

ATTEST:

_____________________________
Gary E. Risley, Secretary
                                       MESA AIR GROUP, INC., a New Mexico
                                         corporation

                                       By: _____________________________________
                                           J. Clark Stevens, President

ATTEST:

_____________________________
Gary E. Risley, Secretary


                                      -4-

<PAGE>   1
                                                                     EXHIBIT 3.1

                            ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
                                       OF
                               MESA HOLDINGS, INC.



         The undersigned, a natural person, for the purpose of organizing a
corporation for conducting the business and promoting the purposes hereinafter
stated, under the provisions and subject to the requirements of the laws of the
State of Nevada (particularly Chapter 78 of the Nevada Corporation Code and the
acts amendatory thereof and supplemental thereto) hereby certifies that:

                FIRST: The name of the corporation (hereinafter called the
       "Corporation") is:

                               MESA HOLDINGS, INC.

                SECOND: The name and street address of the registered agent of
       the Corporation in the State of Nevada is Burton, Bartlett & Glogovac, 50
       West Liberty Street, Suite 650, Reno, Nevada 89501.

                THIRD: The purpose of the Corporation is to engage in any lawful
       act or activity for which corporations may be organized under the laws of
       the State of Nevada.

                FOURTH: The Corporation is authorized to issue two classes of
       shares of capital stock designated as "Common Stock" and "Preferred
       Stock." The total number of shares of voting Common Stock which the
       Corporation shall have authority to issue is Seventy-Five Million
       (75,000,000) shares, with no par value. Each share of Common Stock issued
       and outstanding shall be entitled to one vote. The total number of shares
       of Preferred Stock which the Corporation shall have authority to issue is
       two Million (2,000,000) shares, with no par value. The Board of Directors
       may divide the shares of Preferred Stock into classes or series and
       shall, by resolution, fix and determine the voting powers, designations,
       preferences, limitations, restrictions, relative rights and
       distinguishing designation of each class or series.

                The Board of Directors shall have the right to create and issue,
       whether or not in connection with the issuance and sale of any of its
       shares or other securities, rights or options entitling the holders
       thereof to purchase from the Corporation shares of its Common or
       Preferred Stock upon such terms, at such times and at such prices as the
       Board of Directors may determine.
<PAGE>   2
                FIFTH: The name and the mailing address of the incorporator is
       as follows:

                                                  Paul R. Madden
                                                  Chapman and Cutler
                                                  Two North Central Avenue
                                                  Suite 1100
                                                  Phoenix, Arizona  85004

                  SIXTH: The members of the governing board shall be styled
         "directors." The first Board of Directors shall consist of seven
         directors. The name and address of the members of the first Board of
         Directors who shall serve until the first annual meeting of
         Shareholders are:

                NAME                                    MAILING ADDRESS

         Larry L. Risley                          2325 E. 30th Street
                                                  Farmington, New Mexico  87401

         E. Janie Risley                          2325 E. 30th Street
                                                  Farmington, New Mexico  87401

         J. Clark Stevens                         2325 E. 30th Street
                                                  Farmington, New Mexico  87401

         Jack Braly                               78805 Pina Street
                                                  LaQuinta, California  92253

         Blaine M. Jones                          3405 N. Ridge Court
                                                  Farmington, New Mexico  87401

         George W. Pennington                     401 W. Broadway
                                                  Bloomfield, New Mexico  87413

         Richard C. Poe                           6501 Montana Avenue
                                                  El Paso, Texas  79925

Thereafter, the number of persons to serve on the Board of Directors, their
terms of office and the manner of their election shall be fixed in the manner
provided in the Bylaws.

                  SEVENTH: To the fullest extent allowable under the Nevada
         Revised Statutes, no director or officer shall have personal liability
         to the Corporation or its shareholders, or to any other person or
         entity, for monetary damages for breach of his fiduciary duty as a
         director, except where there has been:

                                      -2-
<PAGE>   3
                            (a) acts or omissions which involve intentional
                  misconduct, fraud or knowing violation of law; or

                            (b) authorization of the unlawful payment of a
                  dividend or other distribution on the Corporation's capital
                  stock, or the unlawful purchase of its capital stock.

                  EIGHTH: The Corporation may, to the fullest extent permitted
         by the provisions of Section 78.751 of the Corporation Code of the
         Nevada Revised Statutes as the same may be amended and supplemented,
         indemnify all persons whom it shall have power to indemnify under such
         section from and against any and all of the expenses, liabilities or
         other matters referred to in or covered by such section, and the
         indemnification provided for herein shall not be deemed exclusive of
         any other rights to which those indemnified may be entitled under any
         Bylaw, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or
         otherwise, both as to action in his official capacity and as to action
         in another capacity while holding such office, and shall continue as to
         a person who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee or agent
         and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and
         administrators of such a person. The Corporation may pay or otherwise
         advance all expenses of officers and directors incurred in defending a
         civil or criminal action, suit or proceeding as such expenses are
         incurred and in advance of the final disposition of the action, suit or
         proceeding, provided that the indemnified officer or director
         undertakes to repay the amounts so advanced if a court of competent
         jurisdiction ultimately determines that such officer or director is not
         entitled to be indemnified by the Corporation. Nothing herein shall be
         construed to affect any rights to advancement of expenses to which
         personnel other than officers or directors of the Corporation may be
         entitled under any contract or otherwise by law.

                  NINTH: Pursuant to Section 78.434 of the Corporation Code of
         the Nevada Revised Statutes, as the same may be amended and
         supplemented, the Corporation elects not to be governed by Sections
         78.411 to 78.444 inclusive of the Nevada Revised Statutes.


Dated this 28th day of May, 1996.


                                                  By ___________________________
                                                  Its Incorporator

                                      -3-
<PAGE>   4
STATE OF ARIZONA           )
                           )  ss.
County of Maricopa         )

                  The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this 28th
day of May, 1996, by Paul R. Madden.

                                                  ______________________________
                                                  Notary Public

My Commission Expires:

_____________________________

                                      -4-



<PAGE>   1
                                                                     EXHIBIT 3.2

                                     BYLAWS
                                       OF
                              MESA AIR GROUP, INC.
                         (AS AMENDED, OCTOBER 15, 1996)

                                    ARTICLE I
                           OFFICES AND CORPORATE SEAL

         1.1 Offices. The registered office of the corporation in the State of
Nevada shall be located at 530 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas, Nevada
89101. The corporation may conduct business and may have such other offices,
either within or without the state of incorporation, as the Board of Directors
may designate or as the business of the corporation may from time to time
require.

         1.2 Corporate Seal. A corporate seal is not required on any instrument
executed for the corporation. If a corporate seal is used, it shall be either a
circle having on its circumference "Mesa Air Group, Inc.," and in the center
"Incorporated 1996 Nevada," or a circle having on its circumference the words
"Corporate Seal."

                                   ARTICLE II
                                  SHAREHOLDERS

           2.1 Annual Meeting. The annual meeting of the shareholders shall be
held on March 15 of each year, commencing in 1997, at 10:00 o'clock a.m., or at
such other time or on such other day as shall be fixed by the Board of
Directors, for the purpose of electing directors and for the transaction of such
other business as may come before the meeting. If the day fixed for the annual
meeting shall be a legal holiday such meeting shall be held on the next
succeeding business day.

           2.2 Special Meetings. The Chairman of the Board may and the Chairman
of the Board or the Secretary shall, on written request of two members of the
Board of Directors or of shareholders owning not less than 50 percent of the
outstanding voting shares of the corporation, call special meetings of the
shareholders, for any purpose or purposes unless otherwise prescribed by
statute. The written request and the notice of the special meeting shall state
the purposes of the meeting and the business transacted at the meeting shall be
limited to the purposes stated in the notice.

           2.3 Place of Meeting. The Board of Directors and the Chairman of the
Board or the Secretary shall fix the time and place of all meetings of
shareholders.

           2.4 Notice of Meeting. Written notice stating the place, day and hour
of the meeting and, in case of a special meeting, the purpose or purposes for
which the meeting is called, shall be delivered not less than 10 nor more than
60 days before the date of the meeting either personally or by mail to each
shareholder of record entitled to vote at such meeting. If mailed,
<PAGE>   2
such notice shall be deemed to be delivered when deposited in the United States
mail, addressed to the shareholder at this address as it appears on the stock
transfer books of the corporation, with postage thereon prepaid.

           2.5 Fixing Date for Determination of Shareholders of Record. To
determine the shareholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of
shareholders or any adjournment thereof, or entitled to express written consent
to corporate action in writing without a meeting, or entitled to receive payment
of any dividend or other distribution or allotment of any rights, or entitled to
exercise any rights in respect of any change, conversion or exchange of shares
or for the purpose of any other lawful action, the Board of Directors of the
corporation may fix, in advance, a record date which shall not be more than 60
days nor less than 10 days before the date of such meeting, nor more than 60
days nor less than 10 days prior to any other action.

           2.6 Shareholder List. The officer or agent having charge of the stock
transfer books shall prepare, at least ten days before each meeting of
shareholders, a complete list of the shareholders entitled to vote at such
meeting, or any adjournment thereof, arranged in alphabetical order with the
address of and the number of shares held by each shareholder of record.

           2.7 Quorum. A majority of the outstanding shares of the corporation
entitled to vote, represented in person or by proxy, shall constitute a quorum
at a meeting of shareholders. All shares represented and entitled to vote on any
single subject matter which may be brought before the meeting shall be counted
for the purposes of a quorum. Only those shares entitled to vote on a particular
subject matter shall be counted for the purposes of voting on that subject
matter. Business may be conducted once a quorum is present and may continue
until adjournment of the meeting notwithstanding the withdrawal or temporary
absence of sufficient shares to reduce the number present to less than a quorum.
Unless otherwise required by law, the affirmative vote of the majority of shares
represented at the meeting and entitled to vote on a subject matter shall
constitute the act of the shareholders; provided, however, that if the shares
then represented are less than required to constitute a quorum, the affirmative
vote must be such as would constitute a majority if a quorum were present and,
provided further, that the affirmative vote of the majority of the shares then
present is sufficient in all cases to adjourn the meeting.

           2.8 Proxies. At all meetings of shareholders, a shareholder may vote
in person or by proxy executed in writing by the shareholder or by his duly
authorized attorney-in-fact. No proxy shall be valid after six months from the
date of its execution, unless otherwise provided in the proxy, but in no event
shall the proxy be valid for greater than seven years. Subject to these
restrictions, any proxy properly created is not revoked and continues in full
force and effect until another instrument or transmission revoking it or a
properly created proxy bearing a later date is filed with or transmitted to the
Secretary.

           2.9 Voting Rights. Unless otherwise provided in the Articles of
Incorporation or by the Nevada Revised Statutes, each outstanding share of
capital stock shall be entitled to one vote on each matter submitted to a vote
at a meeting of shareholders. At each election for directors every shareholder
entitled to vote at such election shall have the right to vote, in


                                      -2-
<PAGE>   3
person or by proxy, the number of shares owned by him for as many persons as
there are directors to be elected for whose election he has a right to vote.
Cumulative voting shall not be permitted. The candidates receiving the highest
number of votes up to the number of directors to be elected are elected.

                                   ARTICLE III
                               BOARD OF DIRECTORS

           3.1 General Powers. The business and affairs of the corporation shall
be managed by its Board of Directors. The directors shall in all cases act as a
Board, and they may adopt such rules and regulations for the conduct of their
meetings and the management of the corporation, as they may deem proper, not
inconsistent with these Bylaws and the laws of Nevada.

           3.2 Number, Tenure and Qualifications. The Board of Directors shall
consist of seven directors. Each director shall hold office until the next
annual meeting of shareholders and until his successor shall have been elected
and qualified, or until his earlier resignation or removal. Should the number of
directors be fixed at nine or more, the Board may, by resolution, classify the
Board into three classes of directors. Each class of directors shall be elected
for staggered terms so that approximately one-third of the total number of
directors shall be elected at each annual meeting. Directors need not be
residents of the State of Nevada or shareholders of the corporation.

           3.3 Annual Meetings. The Board of Directors shall hold its annual
meeting immediately following the annual meeting of shareholders at the place
announced at the annual meeting of shareholders. No notice is necessary to hold
the annual meeting, provided a quorum is present. If a quorum is not present,
the annual meeting shall be held at the next regular meeting or as a special
meeting.

           3.4 Regular Meetings. The Board of Directors may hold regular
meetings without notice at the times and places determined by the Board of
Directors.

           3.5 Special Meetings. The Chairman of the Board or Secretary may, and
on written request of two directors shall, call special meetings of the Board of
directors on not less than two days' notice to each director personally or by
telegram or telephone, or on not less than five days' notice to each director by
mail.

           3.6 Telephonic Meetings. Regular or special meetings of the Board of
Directors may be held at any place within or without State of Nevada and may be
held by means of conference telephone or similar communications equipment by
means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other,
their participation in such a meeting to constitute presence in person.

           3.7 Waiver of Notice. Attendance of a director at a meeting shall
constitute waiver of notice unless the director objects at the commencement of
the meeting that the meeting is not


                                      -3-
<PAGE>   4
lawfully called or convened. Any director may waive notice of any meeting by
executing a written waiver of notice.

           3.8 Quorum. A majority of the directors then serving shall constitute
a quorum for the transaction of business, but if less than said number is
present at a meeting, a majority of the directors present may adjourn the
meeting from time to time without further notice. The act of a majority of the
directors present at a meeting at which a quorum is present, unless otherwise
provided by the Nevada Revised Statutes, these Bylaws or the Articles of
Incorporation, shall be the act of the Board of Directors.

           3.9 Newly Created Directorships. The Board of Directors may increase
the number of directors by a majority vote. Newly created directorships
resulting from an increase in the number of directors may be filled by a
majority vote of the directors then in office. The term of any newly created
directorship shall be determined by the Board of Directors.

          3.10 Removal of Directors. At a meeting of shareholders called
expressly for that purpose and by a vote of the holders of not less than
two-thirds of the shares then entitled to vote at an election of the directors,
any director or the entire Board of Directors may be removed, with or without
cause.

          3.11 Vacancies. Directors shall be elected to fill any vacancy by a
majority vote of the remaining directors, though not less than a quorum, or by a
sole remaining director. A director elected to fill a vacancy caused by
resignation, death or removal shall be elected to hold office for the unexpired
term of his or her successor.

          3.12 Committees of the Board. The Board of Directors, by resolution
adopted by a majority of the Board of Directors, may designate from among its
members an executive committee and one or more other committees each of which,
to the extent provided in such resolution and permitted by the Nevada Revised
Statutes, shall have and may exercise all the authority of the Board. The Board,
with or without cause, may dissolve any such committee or remove any member
thereof at any time. The designation of any such committee and the delegation
thereto of authority shall not operate to relieve the Board, or any member
thereof, of any responsibility imposed by law. No committee shall have the power
or authority to amend the Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws; adopt a plan of
merger or consolidation, recommend to the shareholders the sale, lease, or other
disposition of all or substantially all the property and assets of its business,
or recommend to the shareholders a voluntary dissolution of the corporation.
Each committee shall keep regular minutes of its meetings.

          3.13 Action without a Meeting. Any action required or permitted to be
taken by the Board of Directors at a meeting may be taken without a meeting if
all directors consent thereto in writing. Such consent shall have the same
effect as a unanimous vote. The writing or writings shall be filed with the
minutes of the Board of Directors.

          3.14 Compensation. The corporation may pay, or reimburse the directors
for, the expenses of attendance at each meeting of the Board of Directors. The
corporation may pay the directors a fixed sum for attendance at each meeting of
the Board of Directors and a stated


                                      -4-
<PAGE>   5
salary as director or directors may be granted stock options or a combination
thereof. The Board of Directors shall establish and set forth in its minutes the
amount or rate of compensation of directors.

          3.15 Presumption of Assent. A director of the corporation who is
present at a meeting of the Board of Directors at which action on any corporate
matter is taken shall be presumed to have assented to the action unless his
dissent shall be entered in the minutes of the meeting or unless he shall file a
written dissent to such action with the Secretary of the meeting before the
adjournment thereof or shall forward such dissent by registered or certified
mail to the Secretary of the Corporation within three business days after the
adjournment of the meeting. Such right to dissent shall not apply to a director
who voted in favor of such action.

                                   ARTICLE IV
                                    OFFICERS

           4.1 Number. The officers of the corporation shall be a Chairman of
the Board, a President, a Secretary, a Chief Financial Officer, and a Treasurer,
each of whom shall be appointed by the Board of Directors. Such other officers,
assistant officers and agents as deemed necessary may be elected or appointed by
the Board of Directors. Any two or more offices may be held by the same person,
except the offices of President and Secretary.

           4.2 Tenure and Duties of Officers. The officers of the corporation to
be appointed by the Board of Directors at the annual meeting of the Board of
Directors. Officers shall hold office at the pleasure of the Board and shall
exercise the power and perform the duties determined from time to time by the
Board of Directors until his successor shall have been duly elected and shall
have qualified or until his death or until he shall resign or shall have been
removed in the manner hereinafter provided.

           4.3 Removal. Any officer or agent elected or appointed by the Board
of Directors may be removed by the affirmative vote of a majority of the
directors, but such removal shall be without prejudice to the contract rights,
if any, of the person so removed.

           4.4 Chairman of the Board. The Chairman of the Board shall be the
chief executive officer of the corporation and, subject to the control of the
directors, shall in general supervise and control all of the business and
affairs of the corporation. He shall, when present, preside at all meetings of
the shareholders and of the directors and in general shall perform all duties
incident to the office of Chairman of the Board and such other duties as may be
prescribed by the directors from time to time. Unless otherwise ordered by the
Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board shall have full power and
authority on behalf of the corporation to attend and to act and to vote at any
meeting of security holders of other corporations in which the corporation may
hold securities. At such meeting, the Chairman of the Board shall possess and
may exercise any and all rights and powers incident to the ownership of such
securities which the corporation might have possessed and exercised if it had
been present. The Board of Directors from time to time may confer similar powers
upon any other person or persons.

                                      -5-
<PAGE>   6
           4.5 President. In the absence of the Chairman of the Board or in the
event of his inability or refusal to act, the President shall perform the duties
of the Chairman of the Board, and when so acting, shall have all the powers of
and be subject to all the restrictions upon the Chairman of the Board.

           4.6 Vice Presidents. There shall be as many vice presidents as the
Board of Directors chooses to appoint. Vice Presidents shall perform the duties
assigned to them by the Board of Directors of the Chairman of the Board or the
President. Any one of the vice Presidents, as authorized by the Board of
Directors, shall have all the powers and perform all the duties of President if
the President is temporarily absent or unable to act.

           4.7 Secretary. The Secretary shall attend all meetings of the Board
of Directors and the shareholders and shall keep the minutes of the
shareholders' and of the directors' meetings in one or more books provided for
that purpose, see that all notices are duly given in accordance with the
provisions of these Bylaws or as required by law, have charge of the corporate
records, books, and accounts, and keep a register of the post office address of
each shareholder which shall be furnished to the Secretary by such shareholder,
have general charge of the stock transfer books of the corporation, sign with
the Chairman of the Board certificates for shares of the corporation, and in
general perform all duties incident to the office of Secretary, and perform such
other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him by the Board of
Directors or the Chairman of the Board.

           4.8 Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer. The Chief Financial
Officer/Treasurer shall be the chief financial officer of the Corporation. If
required by the Board of Directors, the Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer shall
give a bond for the faithful discharge of his duties in such sum and with such
surety as the directors shall determine. He shall have charge and custody of and
be responsible for all funds and securities of the corporation; receive and give
receipts for monies due and payable to the corporation from any source
whatsoever, and deposit all such monies in the name of the corporation in such
banks, trust companies or other depositories as shall be selected by the Board
of Directors and in general perform all of the duties incident to the office of
Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer and such other duties as from time to time may
be assigned to him by the Chairman of the Board or by the directors.

                                    ARTICLE V
                   CERTIFICATES FOR SHARES AND THEIR TRANSFER

           5.1    Certificates for Shares.

                 5.1.1 Certificates representing the shares of the corporation
         shall be in such form as shall be determined by the Board of Directors.
         Such certificates shall be signed by the Chairman of the Board or
         President and by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the
         corporation. The signatures of such officers upon a certificate may be
         facsimiles if the certificate is countersigned by a transfer agent or
         registered by a registrar, other than the corporation itself or an
         employee of the corporation. No certificate shall be issued for any
         share until such share is fully paid.

                                      -6-
<PAGE>   7
                 5.1.2 If the corporation is authorized to issue shares of more
         than one class, every certificate representing shares issued by the
         corporation shall set forth or summarize upon the face or back of the
         certificate, or shall state that the corporation will furnish to any
         shareholder upon request and without charge, a full statement of the
         designations, preferences, limitations and relative rights of the
         shares of each class authorized to be issued, together with the
         variations in the relative rights and preferences between the various
         shares.

                 5.1.3 Each certificate representing shares shall state upon the
         face thereof (i) that the corporation is organized under the laws of
         the State of Nevada, (ii) the name of the person to whom issued, (iii)
         the number, class and designation of the series, if any, which the
         certificate represents, and (iv) the par value of each share
         represented by the certificate or a statement that the shares are
         without par value; and the (v) date of issue.

                 5.1.4 Any restriction on the right to transfer shares and any
         reservation of lien on the shares shall be noted on the face or the
         back of the certificate by providing (i) a statement of the terms of
         such restriction or reservation, (ii) a summary of the terms of such
         restriction or reservation and a statement that the corporation will
         mail to the shareholder a copy of such restrictions or reservations
         without charge within five (5) days after receipt of written notice
         therefor, (iii) if the restriction or reservation is contained in the
         Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of the corporation, or in an
         instrument in writing to which the corporation is a party, a statement
         of that effect and a statement that the corporation will mail to the
         shareholder a copy of such restriction or reservation without charge
         within five days after receipt of written request therefor, or (iv) if
         each such restriction or reservation is contained in an instrument in
         writing to which the corporation is not a party, a statement to that
         effect.

                 5.1.5 Each certificate for shares shall be consecutively
         numbered or otherwise identified.

           5.2    Transfers of Shares.

                 5.2.1 Upon surrender to the corporation or the transfer agent
         of the corporation of a certificate for shares duly endorsed or
         accompanied by proper evidence of succession, assignment or authority
         to transfer, it shall be the duty of the corporation to issue a new
         certificate to the person entitled thereto, and cancel the old
         certificate; every such transfer shall be entered on the transfer book
         of the corporation.

                 5.2.2 The corporation shall be entitled to treat the holder of
         record of any shares as the holder in fact thereof, and, accordingly,
         shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or
         interest in such share on the part of any other person whether or not
         it shall have express or other notice thereof, except as expressly
         provided by the laws of Nevada.

           5.3 Lost, Destroyed, Mutilated, or Stolen Certificates. The holder of
any shares of the corporation shall immediately notify the corporation of any
loss, destruction, mutilation, or


                                      -7-
<PAGE>   8
theft of the certificate therefor, and the Board of Directors, may, in its
discretion, cause a new certificate or certificates to be issued to him, in case
of mutilation of the certificate, upon the surrender of the mutilated
certificate, or, in case of loss, destruction, or theft of the certificate, upon
a satisfactory proof of such loss, destruction, or theft, and, if the Board of
Directors shall so determine, the submission of a properly executed lost
security affidavit and indemnity agreement, or the deposit of a bond in such
form and in such sum, and with such surety or sureties, as the Board may direct.

                                   ARTICLE VI
                                 INDEMNIFICATION

           6.1 Indemnification. Every person who was or is a party or is
threatened to be made a party to or is involved in any action, suit or
proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, by reason
of the fact that he or a person of whom he is the legal representative is or was
a director or officer of the corporation or is or was serving at the request of
the corporation or for its benefit as a director or officer of another
corporation, or as its representative in a partnership, joint venture, trust or
other enterprise, shall be indemnified and held harmless to the fullest extent
legally permissible under the general corporation law of the State of Nevada
from time to time against all expenses, liability and loss (including attorneys'
fees, judgments, fines and amounts paid or to be paid in settlement) reasonably
incurred or suffered by him in connection therewith. The Board of Directors may
in its discretion cause the expenses of officers and directors incurred in
defending a civil or criminal action, suit or proceeding to be paid by the
corporation as they are incurred and in advance of the final disposition of the
action, suit or proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the
director or officer to repay the amount if it is ultimately determined by a
court of competent jurisdiction that he is not entitled to be indemnified by the
corporation. No such person shall be indemnified against, or be reimbursed for,
any expense or payments incurred in connection with any claim or liability
established to have arisen out of his own willful misconduct or gross
negligence. Any right of indemnification shall not be exclusive of any other
right which such directors, officers or representatives may have or hereafter
acquire and, without limiting the generality of such statement, they shall be
entitled to their respective rights of indemnification under any Bylaws,
agreement, vote of stockholders, provision of law or otherwise, as well as their
rights under this Article.

           6.2 Insurance. The Board of Directors may cause the corporation to
purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director
or officer of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the
corporation as a director or officer of another corporation, or as its
representative in a partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise
against any liability asserted against such person and incurred in any such
capacity or arising out of such status, whether or not the corporation would
have the power to indemnify such person.

           6.3 Right to Amend Indemnification Provisions. The Board of Directors
may from time to time adopt further Bylaws with respect to indemnification and
may amend these and


                                      -8-
<PAGE>   9
such Bylaws to the full extent permitted by the General Corporation Law of the
State of Nevada.

                                   ARTICLE VII
                         REPEAL, ALTERATION OR AMENDMENT


         These Bylaws may be altered, amended or repealed or new Bylaws may be
adopted by a vote of the majority of the Board of Directors.

                                   CERTIFICATE

         I, Gary E. Risley, the duly elected, qualified and acting Secretary of
Mesa Air Group, Inc., a Nevada corporation, do hereby certify that the above and
foregoing are the Bylaws of this corporation duly and regularly adopted by the
Board of Directors.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this ____ day of
October, 1996.





                                                  ______________________________
                                                             Secretary

                                      -9-

<PAGE>   1
                                                                   Exhibit 10.82

                       SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT NO. 05/22/96

            BEECHCRAFT 1900D AIRLINER ACQUISITION MASTER AGREEMENT

                                     BETWEEN

                               MESA AIR GROUP, INC
                          (f/k/a MESA AIRLINES, INC.,)

                            RAYTHEON AIRCRAFT COMPANY
                       (f/k/a BEECH AIRCRAFT CORPORATION)

                                       AND

                      RAYTHEON AIRCRAFT CREDIT CORPORATION
                  (f/k/a BEECH ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION, INC.)



                               DATE: MAY 28, 1996


          [Confidential portions of this exhibit have been deleted and
         filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission]

<PAGE>   2
                       SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT NO. 05/22/96
            BEECHCRAFT 1900D AIRLINER ACQUISITION MASTER AGREEMENT


      On this ____ day of May, 1996, this Supplemental Agreement No. 05/22/96
(hereafter "Supplemental Agreement") is made and entered into at Wichita,
Kansas, by and between MESA AIR GROUP, INC. f/k/a MESA AIRLINES, INC., with its
principal place of business at 2325 East 30th Street, Farmington, New Mexico
87401 (hereafter "Mesa"), RAYTHEON AIRCRAFT COMPANY f/k/a BEECH AIRCRAFT
CORPORATION, with its principal place of business at 10511 East Central,
Wichita, Kansas 67206 (hereafter "RAC"), and RAYTHEON AIRCRAFT CREDIT
CORPORATION f/k/a Beech Acceptance Corporation, Inc., with its principal place
of business at 10511 East Central, Wichita, Kansas 67206 (hereafter "RACC").

                                   WITNESSETH:

      WHEREAS, the parties have previously entered into a Beechcraft 1900D
Airliner Acquisition Master Agreement dated September 18, 1991 (hereafter
"Master Agreement"), under the provisions of which Mesa agreed, among other
things, to acquire fifty-eight (58) new Beechcraft Model 1900D Airliner
airplanes either by purchase from RAC or lease from RACC (hereinafter
occasionally referred to as "1900D Airliner Units 1 through 58"); and

      WHEREAS, certain provisions of the 1900D Master Agreement were previously
amended by the parties in accordance with Supplemental Agreement No. 08/21/92
dated August 21, 1992; and

      WHEREAS, certain additional provisions of the 1900D Master Agreement were
previously amended by the parties in accordance with Supplement No. 1 dated
March 3, 1993, pursuant to which Mesa agreed to purchase and RAC agreed to sell
twenty (20) additional Beechcraft Model 1900D Airliner airplanes (hereinafter
occasionally referred to as "1900D Airliner Units 59 through 78"); and

      WHEREAS, certain additional provisions of the 1900D Master Agreement were
previously amended by the parties in accordance with Supplemental Agreement No.
09/01/94 dated September 1, 1994, wherein certain additional provisions and
Appendices pertaining to Mesa's lease of 1900D Airliners from RACC were amended;
and

      WHEREAS, certain additional provisions of the 1900D Master Agreement were
previously amended by the parties in accordance with Supplement No. 09/30/94
dated September 30, 1994 pursuant to which Mesa agreed to either purchase from
RAC or lease from RACC forty (40) additional Beechcraft Model 1900D Airliner
airplanes (hereinafter occasionally referred to as "1900D Airliner Units 79
through 118"); and

                                      1
<PAGE>   3
      WHEREAS, certain provisions of the 1900D Master Agreement were previously
amended by the parties in accordance with Supplemental Agreement No. 12/14/95
dated May 28, 1996; and

      WHEREAS, certain provisions of the 1900D Master Agreement were previously
amended by the parties in accordance with Supplemental Agreement No. 05/15/96
dated May 28, 1996; and

      WHEREAS, Mesa has sixty-six (66) 1900D Airliners that are leased from RACC
and said 1900D Airliners are listed by Serial Number on Exhibit "A" to this
Supplemental Agreement; and

      WHEREAS, Mesa desires to exercise its right to purchase these 1900D
Airliners provided in Article 17 of the Beechcraft 1900D Airliner Lease
Agreements; and

      WHEREAS, the option to purchase provided in Article 17 of the Beechcraft
1900D Airliner Lease Agreements is exercisable on or after thirty-six (36)
months of the lease term and sixty-four (64) of the Beechcraft 1900D Airliner
Lease Agreements have not yet reached the thirty-sixth (36th) month of their
lease terms; and

      WHEREAS, RAC and RACC are willing to waive the thirty-sixth (36th) month
requirement and provide debt financing in consideration for the retention of
[*] of the lease deposit for each of the sixty-three (63) 1900D Airliners.

      WHEREAS, RACC has agreed to finance the purchase of these
sixty-six (66) 1900D Airliners by Mesa; and

      WHEREAS, RACC, RAC and Mesa wish to have the conversion of these sixty-six
(66) leases to purchases effective on May 31, 1996; and

      WHEREAS, RAC will be returning seventeen (17) 1900C Airliners pursuant to
the schedule set forth in the Letter of Agreement 191-96-DPT-073 dated April
25, 1996 between Mesa, RAC and RACC;

      NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the above-stated recitals and
the mutual promises, covenants and agreements set forth herein, the parties
hereby agree as follows:


SECTION 1: AMENDMENTS TO 1900D MASTER AGREEMENT

 1.1        Appendix 3.2(A): Appendix 3.2(A) of the Master Agreement entitled
            "Form of Negotiable Promissory Note" will be revised as set forth in
            the amended Appendix 3.2(A) attached hereto but only in so far as it
            concerns the 1900D Airliner Units identified in Exhibit "A" attached
            hereto.



                       "[CONFIDENTIAL PORTION DELETED AND
                           FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE
                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION]"



                                      2
<PAGE>   4
 1.2        Appendix 3.2(B): Appendix 3.2(B) of the Master Agreement entitled
            "Form of Aircraft Security Agreement" will be revised as set forth
            in the amended Appendix 3.2(B) attached hereto but only in so far as
            it concerns the 1900D Airliner Units identified in Exhibit "A"
            attached hereto.

 1.3        Appendix 3.2(C): Appendix 3.2(C) of the Master Agreement entitled
            "Prorated Stipulated Values" is hereby added to the Master
            Agreement, and it contains the "Total Purchase Price" for each
            respective 1900D Airliner listed by Serial Number.

 1.4        Appendix 3.6(B): Appendix 3.6(B) of the Master Agreement entitled
            "Terms of Payment and Financing for 1900D Airliner" will be revised
            as set forth in the amended Appendix 3.6(B) attached hereto but only
            in so far as it concerns the 1900D Airliner Units identified in
            Exhibit "A" attached hereto.


SECTION 2:  AMENDMENT TO 1900D AIRLINER LEASE AGREEMENT

 2.1        Article 17: Mesa and RACC agree that the purchase price of the
            sixty-six (66) 1900D Airliners will be determined by Appendix 3.2(C)
            of the Master Agreement entitled "Prorated Stipulated Value" and not
            in accordance with the Stipulated Aircraft Value specified in
            Exhibit "G" of the Beechcraft 1900D Airliner Lease Agreement.


SECTION 3:  1900D AIRLINER LEASE TERMINATIONS

 3.1        Mesa and RACC agree to terminate the leases for the 1900D Airliners
            listed in Exhibit "A" of this Supplemental Agreement on or about May
            31, 1996 in conjunction with the purchase by Mesa of the 1900D
            Airliners and financing of these 1900D Airliners by RACC effective
            May 31, 1996.

 3.2        RACC agrees to transfer title to each of the 1900D Airliners to Mesa
            effective on or about May 31, 1996 or the date of the applicable
            lease termination and finance transaction.


SECTION 4:  FINANCE CONVERSION PROVISIONS

 4.1        The terms and conditions pertaining to Mesa's payment of the Total
            Purchase Price are set forth in Appendix 3.6(B) attached hereto.


                                      3
<PAGE>   5
 4.2        The terms and conditions of financing to be provided by RACC in
            conjunction with Mesa's purchase of the 1900D Airliners are set
            forth in Appendix 3.6(B) attached hereto and in the Negotiable
            Promissory Note and the Aircraft Security Agreement forms attached
            hereto as, respectively, Appendices 3.2(A) and 3.2(B). Specific
            financial agreements reached between RAC, RACC and Mesa with regard
            to this conversion transaction are also contained in Appendix 3.6(B)
            attached hereto.

 4.3        As a fee for completing this conversion transaction, it is agreed
            that RAC shall retain [*] of the [*] Lease Deposit applicable to
            sixty-three (63) of the 1900D Airliners identified in Exhibit "A"
            attached hereto (excluding 1900D Airliner Serial No.'s UE-2, UE-46,
            and UE-51). The remaining [*] of the [*] Lease Deposit applicable to
            these sixty-three (63) 1900D Airliners will be credited to the
            Principal Reduction Amount as shown in Appendix 3.6(B) attached
            hereto. With regard to 1900D Airliner Serial No.'s UE-2, UE-46, and
            UE-51, the entire [*] Lease Deposit applicable to these three (3)
            1900D Airliners will be credited to the Principal Reduction Amount.

 4.4        Mesa shall be financing with RACC [*] of the Total Purchase Price of
            each 1900D Airliner; therefore, the Total Purchase Price for each
            1900D Airliner equals the Principal Sum as defined in each
            Negotiable Promissory Note. Immediately upon execution of the
            Negotiable Promissory Notes for the sixty-six (66) 1900D Airliners
            by Mesa, Mesa shall pay RACC a Principal Reduction Payment in an
            amount sufficient to reduce the Principal Sum to [*] of the price of
            the 1900D Airliner at the time the 1900D Airliner was originally
            delivered. RACC agrees to credit towards this Principal Reduction
            Payment so much of the Lease Deposits as is due Mesa upon
            termination of the sixty-six (66) leases (reference 4.3 above). In
            addition, with respect to the lease deposits of the seventeen (17)
            1900C Airliners Mesa will be returning pursuant to the Master
            Agreement, RACC will credit Mesa [*] per 1900D Airliner) towards
            this Principal Reduction Payment. For twenty-three (23) of the 1900D
            Airliners, the credit provided by the Lease Deposits is sufficient
            to reduce the Principal Sum to [*] percent of the price of the 1900D
            at the time of its delivery. For the remaining forty-three (43)
            1900D Airliners, a lump sum payment of [*] (reference Appendix
            3.2(C)) shall be paid by Mesa to RACC on May 31, 1996 by wire



                       "[CONFIDENTIAL PORTION DELETED AND
                           FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE
                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION]"



                                      4
<PAGE>   6
            transfer to the following account:  RAYTHEON AIRCRAFT CREDIT
            CORPORATION, Bank IV, Kansas, N.A., ABA Routing [*], RACC account 
            [*].


SECTION 5:  ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS

 5.1        Scope of Amendment: Except as specifically amended by this
            Supplemental Agreement, all remaining provisions of the 1900D Master
            Agreement and all prior amendments thereto will remain unchanged and
            in full force and effect. The amended terms and conditions as set
            forth in this Supplemental Agreement will be applicable with respect
            to all the 1900D Airliners listed in Exhibit "A" to this
            Supplemental Agreement.

 5.2        Defined Terms: All capitalized terms used in this Supplemental
            Agreement which are not specifically defined herein will have the
            same meaning as ascribed to said terms in the 1900D Master Agreement
            and/or the various Appendices attached thereto.

 5.3        Entire Agreement: This Supplemental Agreement constitutes the entire
            agreement of the parties and supersedes any and all prior agreements
            between the parties, both written and oral, with respect to the
            transactions herein contemplated, and specifically supersedes all of
            RAC's and RACC's proposals and presentations to Mesa prior to the
            date hereof pertaining to the various matters addressed and amended
            herein, including the Letter of Understanding between Mesa and RAC
            dated April 12, 1996.

 5.4        The parties agree to: 1) terminate each of the Lease
            Agreements for the 1900D Airliners listed in Exhibit "A";
            2) execute any and all Bills of Sale, Promissory Notes,
            and Security Agreements; and 3) execute any other
            documents necessary to effectuate the provisions of this
            Supplemental Agreement.



                       "[CONFIDENTIAL PORTION DELETED AND
                           FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE
                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION]"



                                      5

<PAGE>   7
IN WITNESS OF the mutual promises, covenants and agreements set forth herein,
the parties have caused their duly authorized officers to execute this
Supplemental Agreement at Wichita, Kansas, as of the day and year first written
above.


                              MESA AIR GROUP, INC.
                              (f/k/a Mesa Airlines, Inc.)


                              By: /s/ W. Stephen Jackson
                                  ________________________________
                                  W. Stephen Jackson

                              Date of Execution: May 28, 1996

                                                  "Mesa"


                              RAYTHEON AIRCRAFT COMPANY
                              (f/k/a Beech Aircraft Corporation)


                              By: /s/ Michael J. Scheidt
                                  ________________________________
                                  Michael J. Scheidt, Vice President
                                    - Airline Sales

                              Date of Execution:  5/24/96

                                                 "RAC"


                              RAYTHEON AIRCRAFT CREDIT CORPORATION (f/k/a Beech
                              Acceptance Corporation, Inc.)


                              By: /s/ John S. Myers
                                 ________________________________
                                 John S. Myers, Vice President

                                    Date of Execution: 5/24/96

                                                "RACC"
<PAGE>   8
                                                                 Appendix 3.2(A)








                                 APPENDIX 3.2(A)

                       FORM OF NEGOTIABLE PROMISSORY NOTE





                              [See attached form.]

<PAGE>   9
                                                                Page 1 of 7

                                    AIRLINER
                           NEGOTIABLE PROMISSORY NOTE
                               DATE: MAY 28, 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Table 1: PARTIES AND TERMS
<S>                                         <C>
(a) SECURED PARTY:                          (c) DEBTOR:
    Raytheon Aircraft Credit Corporation        Mesa Air Group, Inc.
    P.O. Box 85                                 2325 East 30th Street
    Wichita, Kansas 67201                       Farmington, New Mexico 87401

(b) AIRCRAFT:                               (d) COMMENCEMENT DATE: May 31, 1996
    Manufacturer: Raytheon Aircraft Company (e) PRINCIPAL SUM: $____________
    Model:         Beech 1900D Airliner     (f) FINANCING TERM: ____ months
    Serial No.:    UE-______                (g) DUE DATE:
    Reg. No.:      N________            
                                            (h) LIABILITY INSURANCE: [*]
</TABLE>

        For good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of
which is hereby acknowledged, Debtor unconditionally promises to pay to the
order of Secured Party, or its assigns, the Principal Sum, together with
accrued interest at the applicable Interest Rate specified in Table 2 (see
Section 3) and such other charges and fees as herein provided. This Negotiable
Promissory Note is sometimes hereinafter referred to as the "Promissory Note"
or "Agreement".

The Principal Sum and accrued interest shall be repaid by Debtor during the
Financing Term in accordance with the terms and subject to the conditions
specified below:

1. Interest Rate. In addition to Debtor's repayment of the Principal Sum, Debtor
shall pay interest to Secured Party on the unpaid balance of the Principal Sum
at the applicable rate of interest, if any, specified in Table 2. Debtor's
payment of accrued interest shall be made in conjunction with its monthly
payments of principal as specified in Table 2. The term [*] as used in Table 2
and elsewhere in this agreement refers to the interest rate that is [*]. The
effective rate of interest shall be adjusted on the first business day of each
calendar year quarter (i.e., January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1) to
reflect any increase or decrease in the [*] as of that date, plus the percent
per annum specified in Table 2.

The annual rate of interest applicable hereunder from time to time, as
specified above, is sometimes referred to herein as the "Interest Rate". All
interest shall be calculated on the basis of a 360-day year and actual days
outstanding. Notwithstanding anything set forth herein to the contrary, in no
event shall the Interest Rate payable hereunder be higher than the maximum
amount permitted under applicable law.

2. Payment of Principal and Interest. The Principal Sum shall be repaid by
Debtor to Secured Party, together with accrued interest at the applicable
Interest Rate specified in Table 2, in consecutive monthly installments during
the Financing Term specified in Table 1(f). Debtor's first monthly installment
payment shall be due and payable one month following the Commencement Date
identified in Table 1(d). Each subsequent monthly installment payment shall be
paid by Debtor on the same date of each succeeding calendar month. The final
monthly installment payment shall be due and payable on the Due Date.

3. Payments. The amount of Debtor's monthly payments of principal and accrued
interest are specified below in Table 2. The following definitions apply to the
"Payment Type" which may be specified in Table 2:


                       "[CONFIDENTIAL PORTION DELETED AND
                           FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION]"
<PAGE>   10
                                                                     Page 2 of 7

        a) May 31, 1996 payment - This Principal Reduction Payment shall be an
           amount sufficient to reduce the principal Sum to [*] of the price of
           the 1900D Airliner at the time the 1900D Airliner was originally
           delivered. Mesa will receive a credit for $[*] of the lease deposit
           Mesa has paid on this 1900D Airliner. In addition, a per aircraft
           prorated credit will be received from returned 1900C Airliner lease
           deposits in the amount of $_______. If the total lease deposit
           credits are not sufficient to reduce the Principal Sum to [*] of the
           price of the 1900D at the time of its original delivery, the
           difference, or $______, will be paid by Mesa on May 31, 1996, in a
           lump sum via wire transfer to the following account: RAYTHEON
           AIRCRAFT CREDIT CORPORATION, Bank IV, Kansas, N.A., ABA Routing #[*]
           RACC Account No. [*].

        b) FIXED - Debtor's monthly payments to Secured Party will remain fixed
           at the specified payment amount for the specified period.

        c) VARIABLE - The amount of Debtor's monthly payment of principal and
           accrued interest shall be calculated by Secured Party, and advised to
           Debtor in writing, at the beginning of each calendar year quarter,
           based upon the LIBOR in effect on the first business day of said
           quarter plus the specified percent per annum. Each of Debtor's
           monthly payments during this period shall be sufficient in amount to
           fully amortize the Principal Sum, less any Balloon Payment, on the
           Due Date.

        d) BALLOON - an amount payable as a Balloon Payment.

                     TABLE 2: PAYMENT AND INTEREST SCHEDULE

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                PAYMENT         PAYMENT AMOUNT          INTEREST RATE
                                   AND TYPE               PER ANNUM

          <S>                     <C>                   <C>
          May 31, 1996 Payment    $_________            Zero

          __-__("Fixed Payment    [*] Fixed             [*]
          Period")

          __-___("Variable        Variable              [*] Plus [*]%
          Payment Period")

          ___ Last Month of       Variable              [*] Plus [*]%
          Term                    Plus
                                  $[*] Balloon
</TABLE>

THE ACTUAL PAYMENT WILL BE CALCULATED AND ADVISED TO DEBTOR IN ACCORDANCE WITH
SECTION 3(b).

4. Fixed Interest Rate Option during Fixed Payment Period ("Option"). During
the Fixed Payment Period Mesa may elect to convert to a fixed interest rate by
providing RACC with written notice of its intention to convert to a fixed
interest rate seven (7) days prior to the conversion to the fixed interest
rate. Mesa is entitled to receive this fixed interest rate for any full months
remaining during the Fixed Payment Period of the Financing Term commencing
after the conversion referred to above. The fixed interest rate will be [*]
basis points over the composite U.S. government treasury interest rate yield
for the term of the Fixed Payment Period plus [*] additional basis points, or
[*] basis points over the above noted composite U.S. government treasury
interest rate yield. The fixed interest rate will be determined seven (7) days
after Mesa provides RACC with written notice of its intention to convert to a
fixed interest rate. The monthly payments due and payable to RACC during the
Option period will remain at $[*]. If Mesa elects to convert to a fixed
interest rate and then does not continue to finance the 1900D Airliner through
the Fixed Payment period, Mesa will pay RACC for any costs RACC may incur as a
result of the early termination of the financing. These costs, hereinafter
referred to as "Breakage Costs", are described in Section 5.

5. Breakage Costs. In order to provide fixed interest rate financing to Mesa,
RACC will enter into a "VARIABLE FOR FIXED INTEREST RATE SWAP AGREEMENT" with a
financial institution. If Mesa does not continue to


                       "[CONFIDENTIAL PORTION DELETED AND
                           FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE
                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION]"
<PAGE>   11
                                                                    Page 3 of 7


finance the 1900D Airliner at the fixed interest rate through the Fixed Payment
Period, that portion of said financing which would cease to be operative for the
remaining portion of the Fixed Payment Period will be subject to an "Unwinding".
Such Unwinding will be achieved by RACC entering into an offsetting "FIXED FOR
VARIABLE INTEREST RATE SWAP AGREEMENT" for the unused portion of the original
"VARIABLE FOR FIXED INTEREST RATE SWAP AGREEMENT". The swaps referred to above
are based upon the prevailing U.S. treasury bills, note and/or bond interest
rate yields for specific maturities at the time of entering into such swap
agreements plus a swap spread, which are both determined by the financial market
to adjust for the difference between a commercial borrower and the sovereign
undertaking of the U.S. Government and the duration of the swap. Accordingly, to
Unwind a VARIABLE FOR FIXED INTEREST RATE SWAP AGREEMENT, RACC would enter into
a FIXED FOR VARIABLE INTEREST RATE SWAP AGREEMENT with the variable interest
rate components offsetting each other since the components are based on the same
benchmark, i.e., Thirty (30) Day [*]. A cost may result due to the difference
between the fixed interest rate yield and swap spread components of the VARIABLE
FOR FIXED INTEREST RATE SWAP AGREEMENT and the FIXED FOR VARIABLE INTEREST RATE
SWAP AGREEMENT.

If a cost results due to the difference described above, RACC will provide Mesa
written notice of the Breakage Costs due RACC as a result of Mesa's termination
of the fixed interest rate financing. Said notice will be provided Mesa within
ten (10) days following termination of the fixed interest rate financing with
RACC.

Payment of the Breakage Costs are due and payable to RACC immediately upon
receipt of said notice by Mesa.

6.  Repayment and Prepayment.  The aforesaid payments of principal and interest
shall be made to Secured Party at its office in Wichita, Kansas. All payments
shall be due and payable, without demand or notice to Debtor, in strict
accordance with the aforesaid monthly schedule of payments. Any payment due on a
non-business day may be made on the next succeeding business day. Debtor's
payments hereunder, when received, shall be applied first to the payment of
accrued interest (computed upon the unpaid balance of the Principal Sum) and any
late payment charges owed as of the date such payment is received by Secured
Party (if any), and the remainder of Debtor's payment shall be applied to
payment of the unpaid Principal Sum. The unpaid Principal Sum and all accrued
interest and late payment charges due hereunder must be paid in full on the Due
Date. Debtor may prepay the unpaid balance of the Principal Sum in part or in
full at any time and without any penalty, except as provided in Section 5.

7.  Late Payment Charge.  In the event Debtor is more than [*] days late in
making any payment due hereunder as specified above, a late payment charge in an
amount equal to [*] of the amount of the delayed payment shall be assessed
against Debtor and added to the amount of the delayed payment due hereunder for
the purpose of defraying Secured Party's expenses incident to handling the
delinquent payment. Any late payment charge assessed against Debtor shall be
immediately due and payable to Secured Party. The late payment charge shall be
in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other remedy provided to Secured Party
in this Agreement for default by Debtor.

8.  Secured Transaction.  To secure the payment of Debtor's obligation hereunder
and any and all other indebtedness owed by Debtor to Secured Party (whether now
existing or hereafter arising), as well as any renewals, extensions or changes
in the form of said obligations or indebtedness, Debtor has contemporaneously
herewith executed an Aircraft Security Agreement (hereinafter "Security
Agreement") granting to Secured Party a security interest in the property set
forth therein, together with all instruments, avionics, equipment, parts and
accessories attached to or installed in said aircraft; all aircraft and engine
log books; all additions, accessions and substitutions of any of the foregoing
property; all of Debtor's inventory (whether now existing or hereafter acquired)
of air carrier aircraft engines, propellers, appliances, spare parts, avionics,
accessories, instruments, rotables, equipment (including ground support
equipment), subassemblies, tools, kits, consumables, components and related
items for installation in or use in connection with the Aircraft described in
Table 1(b) not to exceed an aggregate of $[*] per Aircraft, all unearned
insurance premiums and insurance proceeds of any of the foregoing property; and
the proceeds of all of the foregoing property.

            "[CONFIDENTIAL PORTION DELETED AND FILED SEPARATELY WITH
                    THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION]"
<PAGE>   12
                                                                 Page 4 of 7


The above-mentioned property is hereinafter collectively referred to (as
appropriate within the context of this Agreement) as either the "Aircraft" or
the "Collateral".

Secured Party's security interest in the Collateral is a purchase money
security interest under the Kansas Uniform Commercial Code. The proceeds of
this loan (i.e., the Principal Sum) will be used by Debtor to purchase the
Collateral described therein.

9. PURPOSE OF LOAN. Debtor warrants and represents to Secured Party that this
loan is for business, commercial or agricultural purposes and not primarily for
personal, family or household purposes.

10. DEBTOR'S DEFAULT. The parties agree that the occurrence of any of the
following events shall constitute an "Event of Default":

        (a) Debtor's failure to make any timely payment of either principal,
        interest, late payment charges required hereunder, or Debtor's failure
        to make any payment required under any other promissory note, security
        agreement or lease agreement between Debtor and Secured Party, if such
        failure continues for a period of [*] days beyond the due date of such
        payment.

        (b) Debtor's failure to perform any promise, agreement, obligation,
        warranty or covenant made by it herein or in the Security Agreement if
        such failure continues for a period of [*] days after the Secured Party
        has given Debtor notice of such failure;

        (c) Debtor's failure to maintain the insurance coverage as specified in
        the Security Agreement;

        (d) any material misrepresentation made by Debtor to Secured Party in
        connection with the Security Agreement or this Agreement;

        (e) entry of a money judgment against Debtor, if such judgment is
        nonappealable and remains undischarged or unstayed for a period in
        excess of [*] days;

        (f) dissolution, termination of existence, insolvency, business failure,
        inability to pay debts as they mature, assignment for the benefit of
        creditors, or the commencement, with respect to Debtor, of any
        proceedings (either voluntary or involuntary) under any bankruptcy or
        insolvency laws;

        (g) appointment of a receiver of any material part or all of Debtor's
        assets if such appointment or proceeding continues for a period of more
        than [*] days;

        (h) Debtor entering into any transaction, without the prior written
        consent of Secured Party, whereby all or substantially all of Debtor's
        undertakings, property and assets would become the property of any other
        company, whether by way of reconstruction, reorganization,
        consolidation, amalgamation, merger, transfer, sale or otherwise; which
        transaction would reasonably justify Secured Party is deeming itself
        insecure; provided, however, that this subparagraph (h) shall not apply
        to any transaction involving Debtor and any "Permitted Assignee"
        (reference 17 below);

        (i) default in the payment by Debtor of any indebtedness for borrowed
        money owed to any creditor resulting in the acceleration of a material
        amount of indebtedness that would reasonably justify Secured Party in
        deeming itself insecure, unless such default is being disputed by Debtor
        in good faith;

        (j) the prospect of payment, performance or realization on the
        Collateral is significantly impaired;

            "[CONFIDENTIAL PORTION DELETED AND FILED SEPARATELY WITH
                    THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION]"
<PAGE>   13
                                                                   Page 5 of 7

        (k)  Debtor's ceasing to be licensed pursuant to U.S. law to operate a
        commercial air service; or

        (l)  the occurrence of a [*]. 

Should an Event of Default occur, Secured Party may employ all remedies allowed
by law, including declaring all indebtedness owned hereunder, [*], immediately
due and payable. Additionally, Secured Party may require Debtor to [*]. The
requirements of the Kansas Uniform Commercial Code for reasonable notification
to Debtor of the time and place of any proposed public sale of the Collateral or
of the time after which any private sale or other intended disposition of the
Collateral is to be made shall be met if such notice is mailed, postage prepaid,
to Debtor's address, as specified herein, at least [*] days before the time of
the sale or disposition. After deduction of all reasonable expenses incurred in
realizing on Secured Party's security interest, and after the payment of all
principal, interest and late payment charges due under this Agreement, the
balance of the proceeds of sale, if any, may be applied to the [*]. Debtor shall
be liable for any deficiency in its financial obligation under this Agreement
after application of such proceeds. Debtor agrees to pay the reasonable
attorneys' fees incurred by Secured Party to repossess the Collateral as well as
the attorneys' fees incurred in pursuing and collecting any deficiency. If,
after a default by Debtor, the Collateral is returned to or recovered by Secured
Party, Debtor agrees that Secured Party may fly or otherwise move the Collateral
for demonstration and other purposes reasonably related to a proposed public or
private sale or other disposition of the Collateral.

11. Obligation to Make Payments. Debtor acknowledges and agrees that its
obligation to make all payments due and owing under the provisions hereof shall
be [*].

12. Waivers. Debtor hereby waives any requirements pertaining to presentment,
demand for payment, notice of dishonor, and all other notices or demands in
connection with the delivery, acceptance, performance, default or endorsement
of this Promissory Note. No waiver of any covenant, warranty or condition of
this Agreement, nor of any breach or default hereunder, shall be effective for
any purpose whatsoever unless such waiver is in writing and signed by an
officer of Secured Party. It is expressly agreed that Secured Party's waiver of
any breach or default by Debtor shall constitute a waiver only as to such
particular breach or default and not a waiver of any future breach or default.

13. Legal, Valid, Binding and Enforceable Obligation. Debtor represents and
warrants to Secured Party that this Promissory Note, upon execution and
delivery, will constitute the legal, valid and binding obligation of Debtor and
shall be enforceable in accordance with its terms. Debtor agrees to furnish
Secured Party with written legal opinions, satisfactory in form and substance
to Secured Party, verifying the aforesaid representation and warranty.

14. Changes of Address. Debtor shall immediately notify Secured Party in
writing of any change of address from that shown in Table 1(c) in this
Agreement. 

15. GOVERNING LAW AND FORUM CHOICE. THIS AGREEMENT WAS MADE AND ENTERED INTO IN
THE STATE OF KANSAS AND THE LAW GOVERNING THIS TRANSACTION SHALL BE THAT OF THE
STATE OF KANSAS AS IT MAY FROM TIME TO TIME EXIST. THE LAW OF THE STATE OF
KANSAS SHALL APPLY TO ANY AND ALL MATTERS ARISING FROM OR RELATED TO THIS
AGREEMENT AND TRANSACTION, INCLUDING ANY ACTIONS UNDERTAKEN BY SECURED PARTY
SHOULD AN "EVENT 

            "[CONFIDENTIAL PORTION DELETED AND FILED SEPARATELY WITH
                    THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION]"
<PAGE>   14
                                                                   Page 6 of 7


OF DEFAULT" OCCUR, SUCH AS AN ACTION TO OBTAIN POSSESSION OF AND FORECLOSE UPON
THE COLLATERAL, AND ALL OTHER REMEDIES WHICH MAY BE AVAILABLE INCLUDING SEEKING
A DEFICIENCY JUDGMENT AGAINST DEBTOR, THE PARTIES AGREE THAT ANY LEGAL
PROCEEDING BASED UPON THE PROVISIONS OF THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE BROUGHT
EXCLUSIVELY IN EITHER THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF
KANSAS AT WICHITA, KANSAS, OR IN THE EIGHTEENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT OF
SEDGWICK COUNTY, KANSAS, TO THE EXCLUSION OF ALL OTHER COURTS AND TRIBUNALS.
NOTWITHSTANDING THE ABOVE, IN THE EVENT AN "EVENT OF DEFAULT" SHOULD OCCUR,
SECURED PARTY (AT ITS SOLE OPTION) MAY INSTITUTE A LEGAL PROCEEDING IN ANY
JURISDICTION AS MAY BE APPROPRIATE IN ORDER FOR SECURED PARTY TO OBTAIN
POSSESSION OF AND FORECLOSE UPON THE COLLATERAL. THE PARTIES HEREBY CONSENT AND
AGREE TO BE SUBJECT TO THE JURISDICTION OF THE AFORESAID COURTS IN SUCH
PROCEEDINGS.

16. ENFORCEABILITY. The provisions of this Agreement shall be severable and, if
any provisions are for any reason determined to be invalid, void or
unenforceable, in whole or in part, the remaining provisions shall remain in
full force and effect; provided that the purpose of the remaining valid,
effective and enforceable provisions is not frustrated; and provided further
that no party is substantially and materially prejudiced thereby.

17. ASSIGNABILITY. Secured Party shall have the absolute right to assign,
transfer or sell any of its rights under this Promissory Note to any party of
its choosing upon giving written notice thereof to Debtor. If under any
assignment the Assignor (Secured Party) shall continue to be the party for
collection of Debtor's monthly payments of principal and interest owned
hereunder, no Assignee may declare a default for non-payment of the monthly
payments or interfere in Debtor's peaceful possession of the Aircraft for
non-payment of such monthly payments, so long as Debtor has not failed to pay
Assignor (Secured Party), when due, any monthly payment owned hereunder. Debtor
may not assign, or delegate any of its rights or obligations hereunder without
the prior written consent of Secured Party; provided however, that Debtor may
assign its rights and obligations hereunder to (a) any of its wholly-owned
subsidiaries, (b) its parent company if Debtor is a wholly-owned subsidiary
thereof, or (c) any other company which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the
aforesaid parent company (collectively "Permitted Assignee"), subject to the
condition that Debtor shall remain primarily liable hereunder, both jointly and
severally, with any such Permitted Assignee.

18. BINDING AGREEMENT. All obligations of Debtor hereunder shall bind the
heirs, legal representatives, successors and assigns of Debtor. If there be
more than one Debtor hereunder, their liabilities shall be joint and several.
All rights of Secured Party hereunder shall inure to the benefit of its
successors and assigns.

19. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement and the Security Agreement constitutes the
entire agreement between and among the parties with respect to the subject
matter hereof. There are no verbal understandings, agreements, representations
or warranties between the parties which are not expressly set forth herein.
This Agreement shall not be changed orally, but only in writing signed by the
parties hereto.

20. NOTICES. Any notice pertaining to this Agreement shall be deemed
sufficiently given if personally delivered or sent by registered or certified
mail, return receipt requested, to the party to whom said notice is to be
given. Notices sent by registered or certified mail shall be deemed given on
the third day after the date of postmark. Until changed by written notice given
by either party, the addresses of the parties shall be as stated in Table 1(a)
and (c) of the Agreement. The designated addresses of both parties must be
located with the United States of America.
<PAGE>   15
                                                                  Page 7 of 7



        In witness of the foregoing, Debtor has caused its duly authorized
officer to execute and deliver this Agreement at Wichita, Kansas on the Date
herein stated.


        
                                        Mesa Air Group, Inc.


                                        By:__________________________
                                           W. Stephen Jackson, CFO
                                                "Debtor"     
STATE OF KANSAS)
                        ) ss:
COUNTY OF SEDGWICK      )

This instrument was acknowledged before me on the 28th day of May, 1996 by
W. Stephen Jackson, who is the CFO of Mesa Air Group, Inc., on behalf of the
corporation.

                                Notary Public ______________________

                                My Commission Expires: __________________
<PAGE>   16
                                                                APPENDIX 3.2(B)



                                APPENDIX 3.2(B)

                      FORM OF AIRCRAFT SECURITY AGREEMENT



                              [See attached form.]

<PAGE>   17
                                                                  Page 1 of 9



                                    AIRLINER
                          AIRCRAFT SECURITY AGREEMENT
                                      AND
               ENCUMBRANCE AGAINST AIR CARRIER AIRCRAFT ENGINES,
                     PROPELLERS, APPLIANCES AND SPARE PARTS
                   [Pursuant to 14 CFR Section 49.51 et seq.]
                           Date:____________________


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TABLE 1
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  <S>                                               <C>
  (a) SECURED PARTY:                                (b) DEBTOR/OWNER:
      Raytheon Aircraft Credit Corporation              Mesa Air Group, Inc.
      P.O. Box 85                                       2325 East 30th Street
      Wichita, Kansas 67201                             Farmington, New Mexico
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  (c) AIRCRAFT OPERATOR:                            (d) SPARE PARTS LOCATION:
      Mesa Air Group, Inc.                              See Exhibit "A"
      2325 East 30th Street
      Farmington, New Mexico
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  (e) REQUIRED LIABILITY INSURANCE: $[*]
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TABLE 2
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                <C>                              <C>                   <C>     
                            AIRCRAFT                    ENGINES              PROPELLERS
                   ---------------------------     -----------------      -----------------
  Manufacturer     Beechcraft Aircraft Corp.       Pratt & Whitney        Hartzell
  Model            Beech Model 1900D Airliner      PT6A-67D, 1280SHP      HC-E4A-31
  Serial No.       UE-____                         PCE-____ & PCE-____    HJ-____ & HJ-____
  Reg No.          N______
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


This Security Agreement is made and entered into on the date specified above,
by and between Debtor and Secured Party. This Security Agreement is sometimes
hereinafter referred to as the "Security Agreement" or the "Agreement".

        In consideration of the mutual promises, covenants and representations
set forth herein and pursuant to the provisions of the Beechcraft 1900D
Airliner Acquisition Master Agreement as amended, between Debtor, Secured Party
and Raytheon Aircraft Company dated September 18, 1991 (hereinafter "1900D
Master Agreement"), the parties hereto agree as follows:

1. GRANT OF SECURITY INTEREST. To secure the payment of Debtor's obligation
under that certain Negotiable Promissory Note (hereinafter "Promissory Note")
executed in conjunction with this Security Agreement and dated of even date
herewith, together with any and all other indebtedness owned by Debtor to
Secured Party (whether now existing or hereafter arising), as well as any
renewals, extensions or changes in the form of said obligation or indebtedness,
Debtor grants to Secured Party a security interest in the property described in
Table 2 of this Agreement together with all instruments, avionics, equipment,
parts and accessories attached to or installed in said aircraft; all aircraft
and engine log books; all additions, accessions and substitutions of any of the
foregoing property; all unearned insurance premiums and insurance proceeds of
any of the foregoing property; and the proceeds of all of the foregoing
property. The above-described airplane is hereinafter referred to as the
"Aircraft".

        Debtor and Secured Party hereby acknowledge and agree that a portion of
the loan proceeds due under the Promissory Note will be used by Debtor to
purchase certain air carrier aircraft engines, propellers, appliances, spare
parts, avionics, accessories, instruments, rotables, equipment (including ground
support equipment), subassemblies, tools, kits consumables, components and
related items for installation in or use in connection with Debtor's Beechcraft
Model 1900D type airplanes not to exceed an aggregate of $[*] per Aircraft 
(hereinafter collectively "Spare


                       "[CONFIDENTIAL PORTION DELETED AND
                           FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE
                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION]"
<PAGE>   18
                                                                   Page 2 of 9


Parts"). Thus, Debtor further grants to Secured Party a security interest in
all of the aforesaid Spare Parts, whether now existing or hereafter acquired. In
order to allow Secured Party to record and perfect its security interest in the
Spare Parts pursuant to 14 CFR Section 49.51 et seq., Debtor hereby covenants
and agrees that:

        (a)  Debtor is an air carrier certificated under Section 604(b) of the
             Federal Aviation Act of 1958; and

        (b)  All of the above-mentioned Spare Parts will at all times and until
             installed or used (in the ordinary course of Debtor's business) in
             an aircraft belonging to Debtor, be located and stored at Debtor's
             maintenance facility and/or hangar located at Debtor's facilities
             or hangers at the locations described in Exhibit "A" of the
             Agreement. Debtor shall not warehouse, inventory or store any of
             the Spare Parts at any other location without first obtaining the
             written consent of Secured Part and without first executing and
             filing with the FAA Registry a certificate pursuant to applicable
             sections of the Code of Federal Regulations (or otherwise
             acceptable to Secured Party) evidencing such change of location and
             such other documents as may be required by Secured Party.

        The above-described Aircraft and other items of personal property
described in this Section 1 are sometimes hereinafter collectively referred to
as the "Collateral". Secured Party's security interest in the Collateral is a
purchase money security interest under the Kansas Uniform Commercial Code. The
loan proceeds (i.e., Principal Sum) specified in the Promissory Note will be
used by Debtor to purchase the above-described Collateral.

        2.  Debtor's Warranty of Title. Except for the security interest
granted herein, Debtor warrants that it is (or, to the extent the Collateral is
to be acquired hereafter, will be) the owner of the Collateral free from any
security interest, lien or encumbrance arising subsequent to the transfer of
title to the Collateral from Secured Party to Debtor. Debtor further warrants
that it will defend the Collateral against all claims and demands of any person
claiming any interest therein by virtue of any such security interest, lien or
encumbrance.

        3.  Debtor Will Execute and Deliver Documents. At Secured Party's
request, Debtor shall promptly furnish such information and execute and deliver
such documents and do all such acts and things as Secured Party may reasonably
request as are necessary or appropriate to assist Secured Party in establishing
and maintaining a valid security interest in the Collateral and to assure that
the Aircraft is properly titled and registered and that the security interest
granted hereby is perfected to Secured Party's satisfaction. Debtor will pay
the cost of filing all appropriate documents in all public offices where Secured
Party deems such filings necessary or desirable.

        4.  Operation, Maintenance and Repair. Debtor shall use, operate,
maintain, store and repair the Collateral and retain actual control and
possession thereof in accordance with each of the following provisions:

        (a)  Debtor shall use, operate, maintain, store and repair the
             Collateral, and all parts thereof, properly, carefully and in
             complete compliance with all applicable statutes, ordinances,
             regulations, policies of insurance, manufacturer's recommendations
             and manufacturer's operating and maintenance manuals and handbooks.

        (b)  Debtor shall only allow properly qualified and licensed pilots to
             operate the Aircraft.

        (c)  Debtor shall be responsible for and pay all expenses of owning and
             operating the Aircraft, including but not limited to storage, fuel,
             lubricants, service, inspections, overhauls, replacements,
             maintenance and repairs, all of which shall be accomplished in
             compliance with the manufacturer's operating and maintenance
             manuals and handbooks, U.S. Federal Aviation Administration
             (hereinafter "FAA") rules and regulations and Debtor's FAA approved
             maintenance program. Debtor shall properly maintain all records
             pertaining to the maintenance, operation and repair of the
             Aircraft.

<PAGE>   19
                                                                    Page 3 of 9

        (d)     Debtor shall at all times maintain the Aircraft in an airworthy
                condition and in good working order and shall make no
                modifications to the Aircraft which have the effect of reducing
                its value as a regional air transport. 

        5.      Insurance.  Debtor shall, at all times and at its sole expense,
obtain and carry the types and amounts of insurance coverage specified below:

        (a)     "All Risk" type hull insurance on the Aircraft in the kind and
                form satisfactory to Secured Party, including Comprehensive
                Ground and Flight Coverage and Fire and Extended Risk Coverage,
                both In-Flight and Not In-Flight, in amounts not less than [*].
                All policies of insurance carried in accordance with this
                paragraph (a) shall name Secured Party as a Loss Payee and
                provide that the insurance proceeds from any loss involving the
                Aircraft shall be payable as follows: (1) any loss not exceeding
                U.S. [*] shall be payable solely to Debtor with notice to
                Secured Party, (2) any loss exceeding U.S. [*] shall be jointly
                payable to Secured Party and Debtor, and (3) any total loss of
                the Aircraft shall be payable solely to Secured Party up to the
                amount of the unpaid Principal Sum and accrued interest and any
                other charges owed by Debtor under the Promissory Note. The
                policies shall include coverage against the perils of strikes,
                riots, civil commotions or labor disturbances, and any act of
                vandalism, malice, sabotage, conversion or theft, and for war
                risks when operating the Aircraft outside of the United States.
                The policies shall also specify that (i) any losses shall be
                adjusted by the insurer with Debtor, with notice thereof being
                provided to Secured Party and the Aircraft manufacturer, and
                (ii) Secured Party and the Aircraft manufacturer shall have the
                right to fully inspect the Aircraft prior to, during and after
                repair of any loss involving the Aircraft.

        (b)     Legal liability insurance, in the kind and form satisfactory to
                Secured Party, with limits no less than the amount prescribed in
                Table 1(e) of this Agreement of combined single limit per
                occurrence, for bodily injury and property damage (including
                passengers). All policies of insurance carried in accordance
                with this subsection (b) shall name Debtor as the primary
                insured and Secured Party as an additional insured thereunder.

        All insurance policies maintained by Debtor in accordance with
subsections (a) and (b) above shall also comply with each of the following
requirements: 

        (1)     be issued by insurers of recognized responsibility which are
                satisfactory to Secured Party;

        (2)     provide that if such insurance is canceled for any reason
                whatsoever, or any substantial change is made in policy terms,
                conditions or coverage, or the policy is allowed to lapse for
                nonpayment of premium, such cancellation, change or lapse shall
                not be effective as to Secured Party until [*] days after
                Secured Party's receipt of written notice from Debtor's insurers
                of the cancellation, change or lapse in policy terms, conditions
                or coverage; 

        (3)     provide that in respect of the interest of Secured Party in such
                policies, the insurance shall not be invalidated by any action
                or inaction of Debtor (or any "Permitted Lessee" as defined
                below in Section 11) and shall insure Secured Party regardless
                of any breach or violation by Debtor (or any Permitted Lessee)
                of any warranty, declaration or condition contained in such
                policies; 

        (4)     be primary without right of contribution from any other
                insurance which is carried by Secured Party with respect to its
                interest in the Aircraft; 


            "[CONFIDENTIAL PORTION DELETED AND FILED SEPARATELY WITH
                    THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION]"
<PAGE>   20
                                                                   Page 4 of 9


                (5)     waive any right of subrogation of the insurer against
                        Secured Party; provided, however, that the right of
                        subrogation shall not be waived with respect to any acts
                        or omissions on the part of Secured Party or the
                        manufacturer of the Aircraft (or any of its
                        subsidiaries) related to products sold, handled,
                        distributed, repaired, serviced or maintained by said
                        parties;

                (6)     provide that the geographic limits, if any, contained in
                        such policy shall include at a minimum all territories
                        over which Debtor will operate the Aircraft; and

                (7)     provide that Secured Party shall have no obligation or
                        liability for premiums, commissions, assessments or
                        calls in connection with such insurance policies.

Debtor shall furnish to Secured Party evidence of the aforesaid insurance
coverage in certificate form. Evidence of renewal of each policy shall
thereafter be furnished to Secured Party in certificate form. Debtor covenants
that it will not do any act or voluntarily suffer or permit any act to be done
whereby an insurance required hereunder shall or may be suspended, impaired or
defeated.

        6.      Debtor's Possession.  Debtor may have possession of the
Collateral and use in any lawful manner not inconsistent with this Agreement,
except when an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing. In the event
Debtor fails to undertake any of the following actions within [*] days after
receipt of Secured Party's written demand for such action, Secured party, at its
option and without assuming any obligation to do so, may discharge taxes, liens,
security interests or other encumbrances levied or asserted against the
Collateral, may place and pay for insurance thereon, may order and pay for the
repair, maintenance and preservation thereof, and may pay necessary filing or
recording fees. Any amounts paid by Secured Party under the preceding sentence
shall be added to the unpaid principal balance under the Promissory Note, shall
be secured by the Collateral, and shall be payable by Debtor upon demand by
Secured Party together with interest at the rate provided for in the Promissory
Note until paid in full.

        7.      Debtor's Covenants.  As long as this Agreement remains in
effect, Debtor shall furnish Secured Party with such information concerning the
location, condition, use and operation of the Aircraft as Secured Party may
reasonably request, and Debtor shall permit any person designated by Secured
Party in writing to inspect the Collateral, wherever located, and all records
and manuals maintained in connection therewith and to make copies of such
records, and to visit and inspect the properties and facilities of Debtor,
provided such visits do not unreasonably interfere with the operations of
Debtor, and to discuss the affairs, finances and accounts of Debtor with the
principal financial officers of Debtor, all at such reasonable times and as
often as Secured Party may reasonably request. Secured Party shall have no duty
to make any such inspection and shall not incur any liability or obligation or
be deemed to have waived any right by reason of not making any such inspection.
Debtor shall also furnish Secured Party with the following:

        (a)     within fifteen (15) days after such report is filed, a copy of
                Debtor's quarterly report to the U.S. Securities and Exchange
                Commission on Form 10-Q;

        (b)     within fifteen (15) days after such report is filed, a copy of
                Debtor's annual report to the U.S. Securities and Exchange
                Commission on Form 10-K; and

        (c)     from time to time, such other information as Secured Party may
                reasonably request with respect to the financial condition and
                operations of Debtor in order to determine whether the
                covenants, terms and provisions of this Agreement have been
                complied with by Debtor; provided that Debtor shall be allowed a
                reasonable amount of time in which to respond to any such
                request from Secured Party.

        (d)     from time to time, such other information as Secured Party may
                reasonably request with respect to the financial condition and
                operations of Debtor in order to determine whether the
                covenants, terms


                       "[CONFIDENTIAL PORTION DELETED AND
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                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION]"
<PAGE>   21
                                                                   Page 5 of 9


                and provisions of this Agreement have been complied with by
                Debtor; provided that Debtor shall be allowed a reasonable
                amount of time in which to respond to any such request from
                Secured Party.

        8.      Debtor's Default. The parties agree that the occurrence of any
of the following events shall constitute an "Event of Default":

        (a)     Debtor's failure to make any timely payment of either principal,
                interest or late payment charges required under the Promissory
                Note, or Debtor's failure make any payment required under any
                other promissory note, security agreement or lease agreement
                between Debtor and Secured Party, if such failure continues for
                a period of [*] days beyond the due date of such payment;

        (b)     Debtor's failure to perform any promise, agreement, obligation,
                warranty or covenant made by it herein or in the Promissory
                Note, if such failure continues for a period of [*] days after 
                Secured Party has given Debtor notice of such failure;

        (c)     Debtor's failure to maintain the insurance coverage as
                specified above in Section 5;

        (d)     any material misrepresentation made by Debtor to secured Party
                in connection with the Promissory Note or this Agreement;

        (e)     entry of a money judgment against Debtor, if such judgment is
                nonappealable and remains undischarged or unstayed for a period
                in excess of [*] days;

        (f)     dissolution, termination of existence, insolvency, business
                failure, inability to pay debts as they mature, assignment for
                the benefit of creditors, or the commencement, with respect to
                Debtor, of any proceedings (either voluntary or involuntary)
                under any bankruptcy or insolvency laws;

        (g)     appointment of a receiver of any material part or all of
                Debtor's, if such appointment or proceeding continues for period
                of more than [*] days;

        (h)     Debtor entering into any transaction, without the prior written
                consent of Secured Party, whereby all or substantially all of
                Debtor's undertakings, property and assets would become the
                property of any other company (whether by way of reconstruction,
                reorganization, consolidation, amalgamation, merger, transfer,
                sale or otherwise);), which transaction would reasonably justify
                Secured Party in deeming itself insecure; provided, however,
                that this subparagraph (h) shall not apply to any transaction
                involving Debtor and (a) any of its wholly-owned subsidiaries,
                (b) its parent company if Debtor is a wholly-owned subsidiary
                thereof, or (c) any other company which is a wholly-owned
                subsidiary of the aforesaid parent company;

        (i)     default in the payment by Debtor of any indebtedness for
                borrowed money [*]

        (j)     the prospect of payment, performance or realization on the
                Collateral is significantly impaired;

        (k)     Debtor's (or its Permitted Lessee) ceasing to be licensed
                pursuant to U.S. law to operate a commercial air service; or

        (l)     the occurrence of a [*].



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                                                                    Page 6 of 9

Should an Event of Default occur, Secured Party may employ all remedies allowed
by law, including declaring all indebtedness owed under the Promissory Note, [*]
immediately due and payable. Additionally, Secured Party may require Debtor to
[*]. The requirements of the Kansas Uniform Commercial Code for reasonable
notification to Debtor of the time and place of any proposed public sale of the
Collateral or of the time after which any private sale or other intended
disposition of the Collateral is to be made shall be met if such notice is
mailed, postage prepaid, to Debtor's address, as specified herein, at least [*]
days before the time of the sale or disposition. After deduction of all
reasonable expenses incurred in realizing on this security interest, and after
the payment of all principal, interest and late payment charges due under the
Promissory Note, the balance of the proceeds of sale, if any, may be applied to
the payment of [*]. Debtor shall be liable for any deficiency in its financial
obligation under the Promissory Note and this Agreement after application of
such proceeds. Debtor agrees to pay the reasonable attorneys' fees incurred by
Secured Party to repossess the Collateral as well as the attorneys' fees
incurred in pursuing and collecting any deficiency. If, after a default by
Debtor, the Collateral is returned to or recovered by Secured Party, Debtor
agrees that Secured Party may fly or otherwise move the Collateral for
demonstration and other purposes reasonably related to a proposed public or
private sale or other disposition of the Collateral. 

        9.      Damage or Destruction. In the event of the loss, theft or
confiscation of the Aircraft, or the substantial damage or destruction of the
Aircraft to such an extent that repair thereof is impracticable (as determined
by Secured Party in accordance with accepted industry standards), then Debtor
shall pay to Secured Party the outstanding indebtedness of principal and
accrued interest due under the Promissory Note, without prepayment penalty,
within [*] days after demand by Secured Party.

        In the event that, following damage to the Aircraft, repair thereof is
determined to be practical (as determined by Secured Party in accordance with
accepted industry standards), then Debtor shall promptly repair and restore the
Aircraft to its condition immediately prior to the damage. All insurance
proceeds paid to Secured Party as a result of such damage pursuant to Section 5
hereof shall be available to reimburse Debtor for the reasonable costs of all
required repairs, provided that no Event of Default has occurred and is
continuing. Debtor shall furnish evidence satisfactory to Secured Party that the
sums requested as reimbursement represent sums actually paid by Debtor or
justly due for labor and materials. If requested by Secured Party, Debtor shall
also furnish appropriate lien waivers. Any insurance proceeds remaining after
all required repairs have been completed shall be immediately paid over to
Debtor so long as no Event of Default has occurred and/or is continuing.

        10.     Waivers. No waiver of any covenant, warranty or condition of
this Agreement, nor of any breach or default hereunder, shall be effective for
any purpose whatsoever unless such waiver is in writing and signed by an
officer of Secured Party. It is expressly agreed that Secured Party's waiver of
any breach or default by Debtor shall constitute a waiver only as to such
particular breach or default and not a waiver of any future breach or default.

        11.     Permitted Lessee. Debtor shall be allowed to lease the Aircraft
to another party ("Permitted Lessee"), subject to the condition precedent that
Secured Party expressly approves such lease in writing, which approval shall not
be unreasonably withheld or delayed by Secured Party. As a minimum, the terms of
any such lease shall provide that the rights of the Permitted Lessee to
possession of the Aircraft are subordinate to those of Secured Party hereunder
and shall further require the Permitted Lessee to perform all of Debtor's
obligations contained herein in Sections 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 13, 14 and 16.
Contemporaneously with Secured Party's approval and the execution of such lease,
Debtor shall execute an assignment of the lease to Secured Party as additional
security for the payment of Debtor's obligations hereunder, which assignment
shall be in form and substance reasonably acceptable to Secured Party and shall
specifically provide that so long as no Event of Default has occurred or is
continuing, Debtor shall retain the right to receive payments of rent
thereunder.

        12.     Sale of Aircraft. Debtor shall be permitted, following [*] days'
advance written notice to Secured Party, to sell the Aircraft to another party
("Permitted Buyer"), provided that the Permitted Buyer agrees to



              "[CONFIDENTIAL PORTION DELETED AND FILED SEPARATELY
                 WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION]"
<PAGE>   23
                                                                     Page 7 of 9


assume and discharge all of Debtor's promises, agreements, obligations,
liabilities, warranties, covenants and representations as expressed in this
Agreement, the Promissory Note and the 1900D Master Agreement as amended
referenced above. Notwithstanding any such sale, Debtor shall continue to be
primarily responsible hereunder, both jointly and severally, with any such
Permitted Buyer until such time as the Promissory Note is paid in full.

        13. Liens. Debtor shall not, directly or indirectly, create, incur,
assume or suffer to exist any lien ("Lien") on or with respect to the
Collateral, or any part thereof, except:

        (a) the Lien of Secured Party hereunder;

        (b) Liens for taxes, assessments or other governmental charges owing by
            Debtor, either not yet due or being contested in good faith (and for
            the payment of which adequate reserves have been provided) and by
            appropriate proceedings so long as such proceedings do not involve
            any material danger of the sale, forfeiture or loss of the
            Collateral or any part thereof;

        (c) materialmen's, mechanic's, workmen's, repairmen's, employees' Liens
            or any Lien of a similar nature arising in the ordinary course of
            Debtor's business, which Lien secures an obligation that is not yet
            delinquent or is being contested in good faith (and for the payment
            of which adequate reserves have been provided) and by appropriate
            proceedings so long as such proceedings do not involve any material
            danger of the sale, forfeiture or loss of the Collateral or any part
            thereof;

        (d) Liens arising out of any judgment or award against Debtor, provided
            that the judgment or award secured shall, within [*] days of
            entry thereof, have been discharged, vacated, reversed or execution
            thereof stayed pending appeal and shall have been discharged,
            vacated or reversed within [*] days after the expiration of
            such stay; and

        (e) any other Lien with respect to which Debtor shall have provided a
            bond or other means that precludes the holder of the Lien, in the
            reasonable judgment of Secured Party, from taking any recourse
            against the Collateral.

Debtor shall promptly, at no expense to Secured Party, take (or cause to be
taken) such action as may be necessary to duly discharge any Lien not excepted
above if the same shall arise at any time with respect to the Collateral or any
part thereof.

        14. Taxes. Debtor shall pay or cause to be paid in the manner and at
the time required by applicable law, all federal, state and local taxes
(including sales, property, use, value-added, goods and service taxes),
assessments and governmental charges or levies imposed upon, or in respect of,
the Collateral, this Agreement, any payments made hereunder or under the
Promissory Note, or upon or in respect of Debtor or Debtor's income or profits,
or upon any property belonging to Debtor prior to the date on which penalties
attach thereto and all lawful claims which, if not paid, become a Lien upon the
property of Debtor (all of the above collectively "Taxes"). Debtor shall
indemnify and hold Secured Party harmless from liability for the payment of any
such Taxes.

        15. Legal, Valid, Binding and Enforceable Obligation. Debtor represents
and warrants to Secured Party that this Security Agreement, upon execution and
delivery, will constitute the legal, valid and binding obligation of Debtor and
shall be enforceable in accordance with its terms. Debtor agrees to furnish
Secured Party with written legal opinions, satisfactory in form and substance
to Secured Party, verifying the aforesaid representation and warranty.

        16. Changes of Address and Change of Base. Debtor shall immediately
notify Secured Party in writing of any change of addresses from that shown in
Tables 1(b), 1(c) or 1(d) of this Agreement. Debtor will at all times keep the
Aircraft based within the continental United States of America; provided,
however, that Secured Party will favorably consider a change of base for the
Aircraft to a location outside of the continental United States of America if
Debtor can furnish Secured Party with evidence satisfactory to Secured Party
that such a change of base location will


               "[CONFIDENTIAL PORTION DELETED AND FILED SEPARATELY
                  WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION]"
<PAGE>   24
                                                                     Page 8 of 9


not result in any material change in Secured Party's ability to timely
repossess the Aircraft in the event of any breach or default hereunder by
Debtor. 

        17.     GOVERNING LAW AND FORUM CHOICE. THIS AGREEMENT WAS MADE AND
ENTERED INTO IN THE STATE OF KANSAS AND THE LAW GOVERNING THIS TRANSACTION
SHALL BE THAT OF THE STATE OF KANSAS AS IT MAY FROM TIME TO TIME EXIST. THE LAW
OF THE STATE OF KANSAS SHALL APPLY TO ANY AND ALL MATTERS ARISING FROM OR
RELATED TO THIS AGREEMENT AND TRANSACTION, INCLUDING ANY ACTIONS UNDERTAKEN BY
SECURED PARTY SHOULD AN "EVENT OF DEFAULT" OCCUR, SUCH AS AN ACTION TO OBTAIN
POSSESSION OF AND FORECLOSE UPON THE COLLATERAL, AND ALL OTHER REMEDIES WHICH
MAY BE AVAILABLE INCLUDING SEEKING A DEFICIENCY JUDGMENT AGAINST DEBTOR. THE
PARTIES AGREE THAT ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING BASED UPON THE PROVISIONS OF THIS
AGREEMENT SHALL BE BROUGHT EXCLUSIVELY IN EITHER THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT
COURT FOR THE DISTRICT  OF KANSAS AT WICHITA, KANSAS, OR IN THE EIGHTEENTH
JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT OF SEDGWICK COUNTY, KANSAS, TO THE EXCLUSION OF ALL
OTHER COURTS AND TRIBUNALS. NOTWITHSTANDING THE ABOVE, IN THE EVENT AN
"EVENT OF DEFAULT" SHOULD OCCUR, SECURED PARTY (AT ITS SOLE OPTION) MAY
INSTITUTE A LEGAL PROCEEDING IN ANY JURISDICTION AS MAY BE APPROPRIATE IN ORDER
FOR SECURED PARTY TO OBTAIN POSSESSION OF AND FORECLOSE UPON THE COLLATERAL.
THE PARTIES HEREBY CONSENT AND AGREE TO BE SUBJECT TO THE JURISDICTION OF THE
AFORESAID COURTS IN SUCH PROCEEDINGS.

        18.     Enforceability. The provisions of this Agreement shall be
severable and, if any provisions are for any reason determined to be invalid,
void or unenforceable, in whole or in part, the remaining provisions shall
remain in full force and effect; provided that the purpose of the remaining
valid, effective and enforceable provisions is not frustrated; and provided
further that no party is substantially and materially prejudiced thereby.

        19.     Assignability. Secured Party shall have the absolute right to
assign, transfer or sell any of its rights under this Agreement to any party of
its choosing upon giving written notice thereof to Debtor. Debtor may not
assign or delegate any of its rights or obligations hereunder without the prior
written consent of Secured Party; provided, however, that Debtor may assign its
rights and obligations hereunder to (a) any of its wholly-owned subsidiaries,
(b) its parent company if Debtor is a wholly-owned subsidiary thereof, or (c)
any other company which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the aforesaid parent
company (collectively "Permitted Assignee"), subject to the condition that
Debtor shall remain primarily liable hereunder, both jointly and severally,
with any such Permitted Assignee.

        20.     Binding Agreement. All obligations of Debtor hereunder shall
bind the heirs, legal representatives, successors and assigns of Debtor. If
there be more than one Debtor hereunder, their liabilities shall be joint and
several. All rights of Secured Party hereunder shall inure to the benefit of
its successors and assigns.

        21.     Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the Promissory Note
constitute the entire agreement between and among the parties with respect to
the subject matter hereof. There are not verbal understandings, agreements,
representations or warranties between the parties which are not expressly set
forth herein. This Agreement shall not be changed orally, but only in writing
signed by the parties hereto.

        22.     Notices. Any notice pertaining to this Agreement shall be
deemed sufficiently given if personally delivered or sent by registered or
certified mail, return receipt requested, to the party to whom said notice is
to be given. Notices sent by registered or certified mail shall be deemed given
on the third day after the date of postmark. Until changed by written notice
given by either party, the addresses of the parties shall be as set forth in
Table 1(a) for the Secured Party and as set forth in Table 1(b) for the Debtor.
The designated addresses of both parties must be located within the United
States of America.

<PAGE>   25
                                                                    Page 9 of 9


        In witness of the mutual promises, covenants and representations set
forth herein, the parties have caused this Agreement to by duly executed and
delivered at Wichita, Kansas, on the day and year first above written.

                                        RAYTHEON AIRCRAFT CREDIT CORPORATION


                                        By: 
                                            --------------------------------
                                            John Myers, Vice President

                                                        "Secured Party"


                                        Mesa Air Group, Inc.


                                        By: 
                                            --------------------------------
                                            W. Stephen Jackson, CFO

                                                        "Debtor"


STATE OF KANSAS    )
                   ) ss:
COUNTY OF SEDGWICK )      
                   

        This instrument was acknowledged before me on the 28th day of May,
1996, by W. Stephen Jackson who is the CFO on Mesa Air Group, Inc., on behalf
of the corporation.


                                        ---------------------------
                                        Notary Public

                                        My Commission Expires:               
<PAGE>   26
                                  EXHIBIT "A"
                             TO SECURITY AGREEMENT
                              MESA AIR GROUP, INC.
                             SPARE PARTS LOCATIONS


Air Midwest                                     Desert Turbine Service, Inc.
(US Air Express)                                1140 West Navajo
2203 Air Cargo Rd.                              Hanger #3
Wichita, KS 67209                               Farmington, NM 87401


Desert Sun Airlines                             Four Corners Aviation
(America West Express)                          1260 West Navajo
3737 E. Bonanza Way                             Farmington, NM 87401
Phoenix, AZ 85034


Florida Gulf                                    Mesa A.L. Pilot Development 
(US Air Express)                                1296 West Navajo
14000 Pecan Rd.                                 Farmington, NM 87401
Jacksonville, FL 32218


Liberty Express                                 Regional Aircraft Services
(US Air Express)                                1446 North Villa Avenue
Dubois Jefferson City Airport                   Fresno, CA 93727        
P.O. Box 366
Falls Creek, PA 15840


Mountain West Airlines                          US Air Express Maintenance
(UAX-DEN, LAX/YV - ABQ/HPX-PHX)                 Reading Regional Airport
1140 W. Navajo                                  RR9 Box 9399
Farmington, NM 87401                            Reading, Pennsylvania 19605


West Air, Inc.                                  Mountain West Maintenance
(United Express)                                600 Highway 95
5588 Air Terminal Drive                         Hangar 24
Fresno, CA 93727                                Bullhead City, AZ 86429


Mountain West Maintenance
3112 West Washington Avenue
Yakima, Washington 98903
<PAGE>   27
                                                                Appendix 3.2(C)


                                APPENDIX 3.2(C)

                           PRORATED STIPULATED VALUES



                              [See attached form.]
<PAGE>   28
                                APPENDIX 3.2 (C)


                      RAYTHEON AIRCRAFT CREDIT CORPORATION
                 PRORATED STIPULATED VALUE AND NEW LOAN BALANCE
                            FOR MESA AIR GROUP, INC.
                               AS OF MAY 31, 1996


                                      [*]





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                                     Page 1




<PAGE>   29
                                APPENDIX 3.2 (C)


                      RAYTHEON AIRCRAFT CREDIT CORPORATION
    PRORATED STIPULATED VALUE AND NEW LOAN BALANCE FOR MESA AIR GROUP, INC.
                               AS OF MAY 31, 1996

                                      [*]







- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) Total Purchase Price require June 1, 1996 payments being made per the
    existing lease contracts.

    Total Purchase Price Less Lease Deposit Credits as follows:

                                      [*]

- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------


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                                     Page 2







<PAGE>   30
                                                                Appendix 3.6(B)



                                APPENDIX 3.6(B)

               TERMS OF PAYMENT AND FINANCING FOR 1900D AIRLINER




                            [See attached document.]
<PAGE>   31
                                                   Appendix 3.6(B)  Page 1 of 6



                                APPENDIX 3.6(B)

               TERMS OF PAYMENT AND FINANCING FOR 1900D AIRLINER

1.      Terms of Payment per 1900D

        Total Purchase Price/Principal Sum      $       (*)     (1)

        Less Principal Reduction Amount         -       (*)     (2)
                                                -------------------
        Principal Sum Balance                   $       (*)     (3)

        (*) SEE APPENDIX 3.2(C) FOR UNIQUE AMOUNTS
            APPLICABLE TO EACH 1900D AIRLINER

        (1)     The Total Purchase Price/Principal Sum of each 1900D Airliner is
                taken from Appendix 3.2(C) of the Master Agreement.

        (2)     This Amount is calculated for each 1900D Airliner based upon
                the Purchase Price/Principal Sum set forth in Appendix 3.2(C)
                of the Master Agreement. The identified Principal Reduction
                Payment shall be reduced by the credits identified in Article
                4.3 and 4.4 of Supplemental Agreement No. 05/22/96 as set forth
                in Appendix 3.2(C).

        (3)     This amount is the remaining principal sum balance less the 
                Principal Reduction Amount due on May 31, 1996. The terms and
                conditions pertaining to financing and Mesa's payment of the 
                Principal Sum Balance are set forth below in Section 2 and
                in the Negotiable Promissory Note and the Aircraft Security
                Agreement forms for the 1900D Airliner.

2.      Terms of Financing

        (A)     Financing Structure:

                1.      RAC will cause its wholly-owned subsidiary, Raytheon
                        Aircraft Credit Corporation ("RACC"), to finance the
                        Principal Sum Balance of each 1900D Airliner to be
                        purchased by Mesa in accordance with the terms and
                        conditions set forth below.

                2.      The exact Financing Term for each Negotiable
<PAGE>   32
                                                    Appendix 3.6(B)  Page 2 of 6

                Promissory Note shall be calculated by subtracting the number of
                months since the 1900D Airliner was delivered to Mesa (number of
                months before May 31, 1996 that delivery occurred) from [*]
                months. For example, if the 1900D Airliner was delivered to
                Mesa [*] months prior to May 31, 1996, the Financing Term would
                be [*] minus [*], or [*] months. The delivery dates for the
                1900D Airliner are identified on Exhibit "A" to the Supplemental
                Agreement No. 05/22/96. The Financing Term for each 1900D
                Airliner shall commence on the date specified in the Negotiable
                Promissory Note. All months payments shall be due and payable,
                without demand or notice to Mesa, on the date specified in the
                Negotiable Promissory Note.

        3.      The "Fixed Payment Period" shall be calculated by subtracting
                the number of months since the 1900D Airliner was delivered to
                Mesa (number of months before May 31, 1996 that delivery
                occurred) from [*] months. For example, if the 1900D Airliner
                was delivered to Mesa [*] months prior to May 31, 1996, the
                Fixed Payment Period would be [*] minus [*], or [*] months. The
                amount of the monthly payments due during the Fixed Payment
                Period is [*] by agreement of RACC and Mesa. This amount shall
                be applied first against interest owed RACC equal to the amount
                of the current [*] in effect on the first business day of each
                calendar year quarter (i.e., January 1, April 1, July 1 and
                October 1), plus [*] and secondly against the unpaid balance of
                the Principal Sum due under the Promissory Note, subject to the
                condition that each such monthly payment must be paid by Mesa in
                a timely manner.

        4.      Fixed Interest Rate Option during Fixed Payment Period
                ("Option"). During the Fixed Payment Period Mesa may elect to
                convert to a fixed interest rate by providing RACC with written
                notice of its intention to convert to a fixed interest rate
                seven (7) days prior to the conversion to the fixed interest
                rate. Mesa is entitled to receive this fixed interest rate for
                any full months remaining


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                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION]"
<PAGE>   33
                                                   Appendix 3.6(B)  Page 3 of 6


                during the Fixed Payment period of the Financing Term commencing
                after the conversion referenced above. The fixed interest rate
                will be [*] for the term of the Fixed Payment Period plus [*]
                basis points, or [*] basis points over the above noted [*]. The
                fixed interest rate will be determined seven (7) days after Mesa
                provides RACC with written notice of its intention to convert to
                a fixed interest rate. The monthly payments due and payable to
                RACC during the Option period will remain at $[*]. If Mesa
                elects to convert to a fixed interest rate and then does not
                continue to finance the 1900D Airliner through the Fixed Payment
                Period, Mesa will pay RACC for any costs RACC may incur as a
                result of the early termination of the financing. These costs,
                hereinafter referred to as "Breakage Costs" are described below
                in Paragraph (C).

        5.      The "Variable Payment Period" shall be calculated by subtracting
                the number of months in the Fixed Payment Period from the number
                of months in the Financing Term. For example, if the Fixed
                Payment Period is [*] months and the Financing Term is [*]
                months, the Variable Payment Period would be [*] months. The
                annual rate of interest during the Variable Payment Period of
                the Financing Term shall be equal to the current [*] Rate in
                effect on the first business day of each calendar year quarter
                (i.e., January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1), plus [*]. The
                rate of interest throughout the Financing Term shall increase or
                decrease in accordance with the current 90-Day LIBOR Rate on the
                first business day of each calendar year quarter plus [*]. Each
                monthly payment during the Variable Payment Period of the
                Financing Term shall be sufficient in amount to fully amortize
                the unpaid balance of the Principal Sum on the Due Date less the
                balloon payment due in the last month of the Financing Term.

        6.      A balloon payment of principal in an amount not to exceed U.S.
                $[*] shall be due and payable to RACC in the last month of the
                Financing Term in 


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<PAGE>   34
                                                   Appendix 3.6(B)   Page 4 of 6



                addition to Mesa's regular monthly payment of principal and
                interest. Additionally, all unpaid principal, interest and late
                payment charges, shall be due and paid in full by Mesa in the
                last month of the Financing Term (the "Due Date").

        7.      The Negotiable Promissory Note and the Aircraft Security
                Agreement will be [*]

        8.      The Negotiable Promissory Note and the Aircraft Security
                Agreement for each 1900D Airliner must be executed by Mesa and
                submitted to and approved by RACC prior to delivery of each
                respective 1900D Airliner.

(B)     Amount of Mesa's Monthly Payments (per 1900D Airliner) during the
        Financing Term:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                Month                                      Amount
                -----                                      ------
                <S>                                     <C>
                Fixed Payment Period (**)               $      [*](1)

                Variable Payment Period (**)            $     (**)(2)

                Last Month Of Financing                 $      [*](3)

                (**) As defined in paragraph 2.(A)3 and 2.(A)5. above
</TABLE>

(1)  The amount of the monthly payments due during the Fixed Payment Period of
     the Financing Term is fixed by agreement of Mesa and RACC. This amount
     shall be first credited against interest owed RACC at the current [*] Rate
     in effect on the first business day of each calendar year quarter (i.e.,
     January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1), plus [*] and then applied to
     Mesa's payment of the Principal Sum due hereunder, subject to the condition
     that Mesa must make each monthly payment in a timely manner.

(2)  The amount of monthly payments of principal and interest due during the
     Variable Payment Period of


[CONFIDENTIAL PORTION DELETED AND FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION]
<PAGE>   35
                                                   Appendix 3.6(B)  Page 5 of 6



                the Financing Term is based upon the current [*] in effect on 
                the first business day of each calendar year quarter (i.e., 
                January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1), plus [*]. The rate 
                of interest throughout the Financing Term shall increase or 
                decrease in accordance with the current [*] Rate on the first
                business day of each calendar year quarter plus [*]. Each 
                monthly payment during the Variable Payment Period of the 
                Financing Term shall be sufficient in amount to fully amortize
                the unpaid balance of the Principal Sum on the Due Date less 
                the balloon payment due in the last month the Financing Term.

        (3)     One (1) balloon payment of principal in an amount not to exceed 
                U.S. $[*] is due and payable (in full) on the Due Date, in 
                addition to the regular monthly payment of principal and 
                interest. Additionally, all outstanding principal, interest
                and late payment charges must be paid in full by Mesa on or
                before the Due Date.

(C)     Determination of Breakage Costs:        

        1.      In order to provide fixed interest rate financing to Mesa, RACC
                will enter into a "VARIABLE FOR FIXED INTEREST RATE SWAP
                AGREEMENT" with a financial institution. If Mesa does not
                continue to finance the 1900D Airliner at the fixed interest
                rate through the Fixed Payment Period, that portion of said 
                financing which would cease to be operative for the remaining
                portion of the Fixed Payment Period will be subject to an
                "Unwinding". Such Unwinding will be achieved by RACC entering
                into an offsetting "FIXED FOR VARIABLE INTEREST RATE SWAP 
                AGREEMENT" for the unused portion of the original "VARIABLE FOR
                FIXED INTEREST RATE SWAP AGREEMENT". The swaps referred to
                above are based upon the prevailing U.S. treasury bills, note
                and/or bond interest rate yields for specific maturities at the 
                time of entering into such swap agreements plus a swap spread,
                which are both determined by the financial market to adjust for
                the difference between a commercial borrower and the sovereign
                undertaking of the U.S. Government and the duration of the
                swap. Accordingly, to Unwind a VARIABLE FOR FIXED INTEREST RATE
                SWAP AGREEMENT, RACC would


               "[CONFIDENTIAL PORTION DELETED AND FILED SEPARATELY
                  WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION]"
<PAGE>   36
                                                    Appendix 3.6(B)  Page 6 of 6


                enter into a FIXED FOR VARIABLE INTEREST RATE SWAP AGREEMENT
                with the variable interest rate components offsetting each other
                since the components are based on the same benchmark, i.e., [*].
                A cost may result due to the difference between the fixed
                interest rate yield and swap spread components of the VARIABLE
                FOR FIXED INTEREST RATE SWAP AGREEMENT and the FIXED FOR
                VARIABLE INTEREST RATE SWAP AGREEMENT. If a cost results due to
                the difference described above, RACC will provide Mesa written
                notice of the Breakage Costs due RACC as a result of Mesa's
                termination of the fixed interest rate financing. Said notice
                will be provided Mesa within ten (10) days following termination
                of the fixed interest rate financing with RACC.

        2.      Payment of the Breakfast Costs are due and payable to RACC by
                Mesa immediately upon receipt of said notice by Mesa.




                       "[CONFIDENTIAL PORTION DELETED AND
                           FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE
                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION]"
<PAGE>   37
                                                                       EXHIBIT A

                                      (66)
                                1900D AIRLINERS
                                   FROM LEASE
                                       TO
                                    PURCHASE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
              <S>              <C>                     <C>
                                                         ACTUAL
              UNIT NO.         SERIAL NO.               DEL DATE


                                      [*]

                      Supplemental Agreement No. 05/22/96
                                                                      PAGE 1


          "[CONFIDENTIAL PORTION DELETED AND FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE
                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION]"




</TABLE>
<PAGE>   38
                                      (66)                           EXHIBIT A
                                1900D AIRLINERS
                                   FROM LEASE
                                       TO
                                    PURCHASE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
              <S>              <C>                     <C>
                                                         ACTUAL
              UNIT NO.         SERIAL NO.               DEL DATE


                                      [*]

                      Supplemental Agreement No. 05/22/96
                                                                      PAGE 2


          "[CONFIDENTIAL PORTION DELETED AND FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE
                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION]"




</TABLE>

<PAGE>   1
                                                                    EXHIBIT 21.1


                      SUBSIDIARIES OF MESA AIR GROUP, INC.


MESA AIRLINES, INC. - 2325 East 30th Street, Farmington, NM. Mesa Airlines, Inc.
holds the airline operating divisions of Mesa Air Group, Inc.

AIR MIDWEST, INC. - 2203 Air Cargo Road, Wichita, Kansas. Air Midwest, Inc. was
acquired by Mesa Air Group, Inc. on July 12, 1991 and is doing business as USAir
Express pursuant to a code-sharing agreement with USAir, Inc.

WESTAIR HOLDING, INC. - 5570 Air Terminal Drive, Fresno, California. WestAir
Holding, Inc. was acquired by Mesa Air Group, Inc. on May 29, 1992 and is the
holding company for WestAir Commuter Airlines, Inc. and Regional Aircraft
Services, Inc.

WESTAIR COMMUTER AIRLINES, INC. - 5570 Air Terminal Drive, Fresno, California.
WestAir Commuter Airlines, Inc. was acquired as a subsidiary of WestAir Holding,
Inc. by Mesa Air Group, Inc. on May 29, 1992 and is doing business as United
Express pursuant to a code-sharing agreement with United Air Lines, Inc.

REGIONAL AIRCRAFT SERVICES, INC. - 1446 North Villa Avenue, Fresno, CA 93727;
provides aircraft and engine maintenance service to Mesa.

FCA, INC. DBA FOUR CORNERS AVIATION, INC. - 1260 West Navajo, Farmington, New
Mexico 87401. Four Corners was acquired in 1992 and is a fixed-base operation.

MPD, INC. DBA MESA PILOT DEVELOPMENT - 2325 East 30th Street, Farmington, New
Mexico 87401. Mesa Pilot Development began operations in 1989 and provides
flight training coordination with a community college.

MAGI INSURANCE, LTD. - P. O. Box 1304, Financial Services Centre, Bishop's Court
Hill, St. Michael, Barbados, WI. Magi Insurance, Ltd., is an insurance company
established for the purpose of obtaining favorable insurance rates.

MESA LEASING, INC. 3753 Howard Hughes Parkway, Suite 200, Las Vegas, Nevada.
Mesa Leasing, Inc. is a Nevada corporation established to aid in the acquisition
and leasing of aircraft.



<PAGE>   1
                                                                    Exhibit 23.1



                         INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT
                         -----------------------------



The Board of Directors
Mesa Air Group, Inc.:


We consent to incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements (Nos.
33-15495, 33-09395 and 33-02791) on Form S-8 of Mesa Air Group, Inc. of our
report dated November 22, 1996, relating to the consolidated balance sheets of
Mesa Air Group, Inc. and subsidiaries as of September 30, 1996 and 1995, and
the related consolidated statements of earnings, cash flows and stockholders'
equity for each of the years in the three-year period ended September 30, 1996,
which report appears in the September 30, 1996 annual report on Form 10-K of
Mesa Air Group, Inc.



Phoenix, Arizona
December 19, 1996

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<CIK> 0000810332
<NAME> MESA AIR GROUP, INC.
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          SEP-30-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             OCT-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               SEP-30-1996
<CASH>                                          54,720
<SECURITIES>                                     5,300
<RECEIVABLES>                                   41,377
<ALLOWANCES>                                       272
<INVENTORY>                                     26,956
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               134,475
<PP&E>                                         515,850
<DEPRECIATION>                                  63,577
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 678,491
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           63,615
<BONDS>                                              0
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                       100,876
<OTHER-SE>                                     123,790
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   678,491
<SALES>                                        500,363
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               500,363
<CGS>                                          452,369
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  452,369
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                    91
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              12,777
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 49,519
<INCOME-TAX>                                    19,112
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             30,407
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    30,407
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     1.00
<EPS-DILUTED>                                        0
        

</TABLE>


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