After taking one for a tour, Bombardier have delivered the first CRJ-900 NextGen to American Airlines.
The ribbon cutting ceremony – Image Bombardier
Bombardier, PSA Airlines and American Airlines staff at the handover – Image Bombardier
This aircraft represents the first of 30 aircraft that will be owned by American Airlines, and operated by PSA Airlines under the American Eagle banner
For American Airlines, there will be a very keen eye on this aircraft, as it has a 5.5% less promised fuel burn compared the current generation of CRJ-900s operated by various carriers. Compared to how much this could save verses the existing 50 seater aircraft (and even the CRJ-700/Embraer E-Jets), this could be an advantage.
The planes will be configured as:
- 12 First Class seats
- 32 Main Cabin Extra seats
- 32 Main Cabin seats,
- Total: 76 seats
American Airlines has orders for 30 of these aircraft, with options for 40 more. Routes have not been announced for the new fleet as of yet.
Regional Jets do give a chance for route expansion without risking mainline equipment, or operating an airline on a cheaper budget (with different airlines having different pay rates).
Still, its nice to see these new aircraft take to the skies.