CRJ550

The Bombardier CRJ700 series is a family of regional jet airliners that were designed and manufactured by Canadian transportation conglomerate Bombardier (formerly Canadair). Officially launched in 1997, the CRJ700 made its maiden flight on 27 May 1999, and was soon followed by the stretched CRJ900 variant. Several additional models were introduced, including the further elongated CRJ1000 and the CRJ550 and CRJ705, which were modified to comply with scope clauses. In 2020, the Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation acquired the CRJ program and subsequently ended production of the aircraft.

Development of the CRJ700 series was launched in 1994 under the ''CRJ-X'' program, aimed at creating larger variants of the successful CRJ100 and 200, the other members of the Bombardier CRJ-series. Competing aircraft included the British Aerospace 146, the Embraer E-Jet family, the Fokker 70, and the Fokker 100.

In Bombardier’s product lineup, the ''CRJ-Series'' was marketed alongside the larger ''C-Series'' (now owned by Airbus and rebranded as the Airbus A220) and the ''Q-Series'' turboprop (now owned by De Havilland Canada and marketed as the Dash 8). In the late 2010s, Bombardier began divesting its commercial aircraft programs, and on 1 June 2020, Mitsubishi finalized the acquisition of the CRJ program. Bombardier continued manufacturing CRJ aircraft on behalf of Mitsubishi until fulfilling all existing orders in December 2020. While Mitsubishi continues to produce parts for existing CRJ operators, it currently has no plans to build new CRJ aircraft, having originally intended to focus on its SpaceJet aircraft, which has since been discontinued.

Development

Origins

During the early 1990s, Bombardier Aerospace became interested in developing larger variants of the CRJ 100 and 200 and associated design work commenced in 1994."Making markets."
''Flight International'', 5 March 1997. The ''CRJ-X'', as the new range was initially designated, sought to compete with larger regional jets such as the Fokker 70, Fokker 100 or the British Aerospace 146. The CRJ-X featured a stretched fuselage, a lengthened wing, and up-rated General Electric CF34-8C engines, while maintaining a common type-rating with the CRJ 100 and 200. Leading-edge extensions and high-lift slats improved the wing performance, other aerodynamic changes included an enlarged horizontal tailfin."Canadair (bombardier)."
''Flight International'', 4 December 1996. By March 1995, low-speed wind tunnel testing confirmed a range of in a 74-seat configuration intended for the North American market and in a 72-seat configuration intended for the European market. First deliveries were planned for 1999.

In 1995, the development was projected to cost around C$300 million (US$200 million). In June 1996, Bombardier selected Rockwell Collins' Pro Line 4 avionics suite. During May 1996, General Electric formally launched the previously selected CF34-8C variant. Extensive redesigning resulted in the CRJ700 retaining only 15% of the CRJ200 airframe.

Launch

The CRJ-X launch was delayed by several months, due to negotiations with suppliers and subcontractors. During September 1996, Bombardier's board authorised sales of the CRJ-X."Bombardier gains approval to offer stretched Regional Jet."
''Flight International'', 4 September 1996. During January 1997, the CRJ-X was officially launched. In March 1997, four prototypes were planned for the CRJ700's flight-test program. On 27 May 1999, the first prototype CRJ700 made its maiden flight. At this point, type certification was expected for 2001. By 1999, Bombardier had invested C$650 million (US$440 million) to develop the 70-seat CRJ700, which was listed at $24–25 million.

A new final-assembly facility was established at Montréal-Mirabel International Airport, as the CRJ100/200's existing line had insufficient capacity. In January 2001, Transport Canada granted the CRJ700 its type approval. In May 2001, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration certification for the CRJ700 was close, but required two minor avionics-related changes.

In September 1998, Bombardier considered developing an all-new 90-seat model, the BRJ-X, but ultimately opted for a stretched version of the CRJ-X, which became the CRJ900. It would share a type rating with the CRJ700, allowing pilots to transition between them with a three-day cross-crew qualification course. Development of the CRJ900 was underway by 1999, with Bombardier investing C$200 million for the CRJ900. The aircraft was initially priced at $28–29 million. The CRJ900's official launch was delayed in May 2000 due to contract negotiations, but it was formally introduced in July 2000. The aircraft was designed for existing CRJ200 and CRJ700 operators seeking a larger capacity jet. One of the CRJ700 prototypes was modified to represent the CRJ900 configuration, later joined by a second purpose-built test aircraft. The CRJ900 made its maiden flight on February 21, 2001, five months ahead of schedule,Lewis, Paul
"CRJ900 features will help increase 70-seater's range."
''Flight International'', 22 May 2001. and the first aircraft was delivered in April 2003.

The CRJ1000, originally launched as the CRJ-900X in February 2007, was developed as a further stretch of the CRJ900 to accommodate up to 100 passengers. The CRJ1000 shares a high level of commonality with the CRJ700 and CRJ900, but featured an improved version of the General Electric CF34 engine, with enhanced high-pressure turbine performance achieved through optimized blade airfoil geometry, software upgrades, and improved cooling. The turbine nozzles were also redesigned to reduce the number of vanes from 48 to 34. The CRJ1000 also introduced a new cabin design with larger overhead luggage bins, larger windows, improved lighting, and redesigned ceiling panels and sidewalls. A prototype aircraft completed its first flight in 2008, followed by the production flight on 28 July 2009 in Montreal. One month into the flight-test program, a fault in the rudder controls was discovered, grounding the jet until February 2010, and deliveries were projected to begin by January 2011.

Further improvements

During 2007, Bombardier launched the CRJ900 NextGen, featuring improvements developed for the CRJ1000. The improvements include improvements to the GE CF34 engine which enhanced fuel economy by 5.5%, a redesigned cabin with larger overhead bins, and reduced costs by extending maintenance intervals. Mesaba Aviation (now Endeavor Air) operating at the time as Northwest Airlink (now Delta Connection), was the launch customer for the CRJ900 NextGen, and remains the largest operator of the CRJ900. A similar NextGen package was rolled out to the CRJ700 in 2008, with SkyWest Airlines as the launch customer.

During 2016, Bombardier further modernized the CRJ Series with the "Atmosphere" cabin, which included a more spacious entryway, larger overhead bins, larger windows situated higher upon the fuselage, a larger forward lavatory on the CRJ900 and CRJ1000, and LED accent lighting. Maintenance intervals were also further extended, with "A" checks occurring every 800 flight hours and "C" checks every 8,000 flight hours. A new engine nozzle provided an additional 1% fuel efficiency improvement.

Re-engine study

Throughout its production, the CRJ family competed with the Embraer E-Jet family series. However, Bombardier ultimately ruled out a re-engining the CRJ to compete with the Embraer E-Jet E2. Bombardier and General Electric studied a NG34 next generation engine using technologies from the GEnx, and even went as far as building a prototype core for testing. However, Bombardier felt that the certification costs and the added weight of newer, more efficient engines would negate potential fuel burn improvements on short-haul regional routes.

Sales history

During April 2000, a substantial early order, valued at US$10 billion, for the CRJ700 (and CRJ200) was issued by Delta Air Lines, involving 500 aircraft along with options for 406 more. Comair, operating as Delta Connection, placed an order of 14 CRJ900s; by November 2007, six of these had entered revenue service.

During September 2011, PLUNA received its 11th airplane (from an eventual total order of 15 with options). Estonian Air ordered three CRJ900 NextGen 88-seat aircraft. Also, SAS ordered 13 of these in March 2008. Iraqi Airways has ordered six Bombardier CRJ900 NextGen airliners and options on a further four of the type. In June 2010, Lufthansa ordered eight off the CRJ900 NextGen. In December 2012, Delta Air Lines ordered 40 CRJ900 NextGen worth $1.89 billion with 30 options.

During February 2012, Garuda Indonesia ordered six CRJ1000s and took options for another 18. Danish lessor Nordic Aviation Capital also ordered 12 for Garuda to operate, with delivery beginning in 2012.

According to Bombardier, by 2015, the CRJ series accounted for over 20% of all jet departures in North America; globally, the family operated in excess of 200,000 flights per month. Bombardier expected the 60–100-seat airliner market to represent 5,500 aircraft from 2018 through 2037.

Divestment

, following Bombardier's decisions to sell the CSeries to Airbus and the QSeries to Viking Air, the company was looking at "strategic options" to return the CRJ to profitability. Analysts suspected that it would decide to exit the commercial aircraft market altogether and refocus on business aircraft.

On 25 June 2019, Bombardier announced a deal to sell the CRJ program to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, the parent company of Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation, which was developing the SpaceJet. Mitsubishi had a historic interest in the CRJ program, having sounded out risk-sharing options with Bombardier, and at one point expected to take a stake in the venture during the 1990s. Bombardier stopped taking new sales; production of the CRJ continued at Mirabel until the order backlog was complete, with final deliveries in the second half of 2020. The deal included the type certificate for the CRJ series; Bombardier worked with Transport Canada to separate the CRJ certificate from that of the Challenger.

On 1 June 2020, closure of the deal was confirmed, with Bombardier's service and support activities transferred to a new Montreal-based company, MHI RJ Aviation Group. MHI RJ did not rename the aircraft, continuing to refer simply to the "CRJ Series".

End of production

The final CRJ to be produced, a CRJ900, was delivered to SkyWest Airlines on 28 February 2021.

Variants

CRJ700 series

Design work on the CRJ700 by Bombardier started in 1995, and the program was officially launched in January 1997.Frawley, Gerald. "Bombardier CRJ700 & CRJ900" ''The International Directory of Civil Aircraft, 2003/2004'', p. 64. Fishwick, Act: Aerospace Publications, 2003. . The CRJ700 is a stretched derivative of the CRJ200. The CRJ700 features a new wing with leading-edge slats and a stretched and slightly widened fuselage, with a lowered floor. Its first flight took place on 27 May 1999. The aircraft model is listed as CL-600-2C10 on the TCCA, FAA, and EASA Type Certificates. The CRJ700 first entered commercial service with Brit Air in 2001.

The CRJ700 was built in three variants: Series 700 is limited to 68 passengers, the Series 701 to 70 passengers, and the Series 702 to 78 passengers. Each variant was offered with an ER ("Extended Range") option with increased in maximum weights, which in turn increases the range. The executive version is marketed as the Challenger 870. The CRJ700 directly competes with the Embraer 170, which typically seats 70 passengers.

Early-build aircraft were equipped with two General Electric CF34-8C1 engines, while later builds were equipped standard with the uprated -8C5.

Maximum speed is at a maximum altitude of . Depending upon payload and configuration, the CRJ700 has a range up to .

The CRJ700 family has seven different sub-variants:

CRJ700

The baseline variant of the CRJ700 with a maximum passenger seating capacity of 68, a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of and a range of .

CRJ700ER

The "extended range" variant of the CRJ700 with a maximum passenger seating capacity of 68, a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of and a range of .

CRJ701

The baseline variant of the CRJ701 with a increased maximum passenger seating capacity of 70, a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of and a range of .

CRJ701ER

The "extended range" variant of the CRJ701 with a increased maximum passenger seating capacity of 70, a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of and a range of .

CRJ702

The baseline variant of the CRJ702 with a further increased maximum passenger seating capacity of 78, a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of .

CRJ702ER

The "extended range" variant of the CRJ702 with a further increased maximum passenger seating capacity of 78, a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of .

CRJ550

The CRJ550 is a variant of the CRJ700 limited by type certification to just 50 passenger seats and a lower maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of , compared to the CRJ700's . It was introduced by Bombardier to offer a 50-seat aircraft that complies with U.S. pilot contract scope clauses while offering more premium seats.

All CRJ550s were converted from existing CRJ700s. The aircraft model is listed as CL-600-2C11 on the TCCA and FAA type certificates, after receiving certification in 2019. The CRJ550 has not yet been certified by EASA. Each converted CRJ550 has a supplemental aircraft identification data plate added next to the original data plate, reflecting its new model designation.

The variant was announced on 6 February 2019 with launch customer United Airlines, ordering 50 aircraft configured with 10 first class, 20 economy plus (extra legroom), and 20 economy seats. The first aircraft was delivered on 7 August 2019 ahead of FAA certification in September. These aircraft were initially operated by GoJet Airlines under the United Express brand.

In 2024, SkyWest Airlines also started operating a sizable fleet of CRJ550 aircraft. In July, it began introducing the first of 19 CRJ550s operating under the Delta Connection brand. In October, SkyWest announced it would operate an additional 40 CRJ550s under the United Express brand, including 11 previously operated by GoJet. In November 2024, SkyWest ordered 60 kits to convert aircraft into the CRJ550 configuration.

The reconfiguration addresses a shortcoming of the CRJ series: limited overhead storage. Four large storage cabinets are installed on the cabin floor, allowing passengers to stow their carry-on luggage inside the cabin. Aircraft with 50 or fewer seats require only one flight attendant. Because this aircraft has a sizable first-class section, where passengers might typically expect a flight attendant to be dedicated to only serving first-class passengers, the CRJ550 is equipped with a self-service galley area to be stocked with a selection of snacks and a refrigerator with non-alcoholic beverages, enabling first-class passengers to enjoy refreshments at their leisure, particularly when the flight attendant is serving the economy cabin.

CRJ900 series

The CRJ900 is a stretched version of the CRJ700 with up to 90 seats. Internally designated as the RJX, the first CRJ900 (C-FRJX) was modified from the prototype CRJ700 by adding longer fuselage plugs fore and aft of the wings. It was later converted into the prototype CRJ1000 by replacing the fuselage plugs with longer plugs. The CRJ900 also features strakes located at the rear of the plane. The CRJ900 competes with the Embraer 175. Mesa Air Group was the launch customer for the CRJ900 painted in America West livery. The aircraft model is listed as CL-600-2D24 on the TCCA, FAA, and EASA Type Certificates.

The wing has been widened with additional leading-edge slats, while the tail features increased span and anhedral. The cabin floor has been lowered by 2 inches (5 cm), improving outward visibility by aligning the windows closer to eye level. A recirculation fan aids in cabin temperature control, and the environmental system uses a target temperature setting instead of a traditional hot-cold knob. The aircraft is equipped with a Honeywell RE220 auxiliary power unit, which provides increased airflow to the air conditioning packs and allows for higher altitude and engine start limits. Additionally, a second lavatory has been added at the front of the cabin.

The aircraft is powered by two GE CF34-8C5 engines, each producing of thrust with APR (automatic performance reserve). The engines are managed by a FADEC (full authority digital engine control) system, replacing traditional control cables and fuel-control units for improved efficiency and precision. In typical operations, the CRJ900 cruises 8,000 to 10,000 feet (2,400 to 3,000 m) higher than the CRJ700, with an average true airspeed of 450 to 500 knots (830 to 930 km/h; 520 to 580 mph) at the expense of slightly increased fuel burn. The aircraft has a maximum takeoff weight of .

In 2018, the CRJ900 had a list price of $48 million, while its market value was approximately $24 million. However, most customers reportedly paid between $20 and $22 million, with American Airlines securing an order for 15 aircraft at under $20 million each. A six-year-old CRJ900 from 2012 was valued at less than $14 million, with projections indicating a 30% depreciation by 2021.

The CRJ900 family has four sub-variants:

CRJ900

The baseline variant of the CRJ900 with a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of and a range of .

CRJ900ER

The "Extended Range" variant of the CRJ900 with an increased MTOW of , enabling an increased range of .

CRJ900LR

The "Long Range" variant of the CRJ900 with a further increased MTOW of , enabling an increased range of .

CRJ705

The CRJ705 was a variant of the CRJ900 regional jet limited by type certification to just 75 seats, to comply with Air Canada's pilot contract scope clause. Air Canada Jazz, a regional carrier operating under the Air Canada Express brand, served as the launch customer for this aircraft in 2005. These aircraft were configured with 10 business class and 65 economy class seats. The official designation for the CRJ705 on the TCCA and FAA Type Certificates was CL-600-2D15.

The CRJ705 variant was short-lived. In April 2016, Jazz Aviation announced a plan to convert them all to standard CRJ900 configuration with a slightly increased capacity of 76 with 12 business class and 64 economy class seats. By late February 2018, the conversion process was complete. All former CRJ705s received supplemental identification plates reflecting the change.

CRJ1000 series

On 19 February 2007, Bombardier launched the development of the CRJ1000, previously designated CRJ900X, as a stretched CRJ900, with up to 104 seats. The CRJ1000 completed its first production flight on 28 July 2009 in Montreal; the entry into service was planned for the first quarter of 2010.Kirby, Mary
"Production CRJ1000 successfully completes first flight."
''FlightGlobal'', 28 July 2009. A month after the first flight, however, a fault in the rudder controls forced the flight-test program to be grounded; the program was not resumed until February 2010, and deliveries were projected to begin by January 2011. Brit Air and Air Nostrum were the launch customers for the CRJ1000.

Bombardier Aerospace announced on 10 November 2010 that its 100-seat CRJ1000 had been awarded aircraft type certificates by Transport Canada and the European Aviation Safety Agency, allowing deliveries to begin. On 14 December 2010, Bombardier began CRJ1000 deliveries to Brit Air and Air Nostrum. On 23 December 2010, it was announced that the Federal Aviation Administration had also awarded a type certificate, allowing the CRJ1000 to operate in US airspace. It has a separate type rating. Bombardier states that it offers better performance and a higher profit per seat than the competing Embraer E-190.
The aircraft model is listed as CL-600-2E25 on the TCCA, FAA, and EASA Type Certificates.

In 2018, a new CRJ1000 discounted price was $M, a 2015 model is valued $22.0M, a 2010 one is worth $15.5M for a $155,000 monthly lease, and it would be $12.0M in 2021 for a $145,000 monthly lease, while its D Check costs $800,000 and its engine overhaul costs $0.9 to 2.4M.

The CRJ1000 family aircraft contains three different sub-variants:

CRJ1000

The baseline variant of the CRJ1000 with a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of and a range of .

CRJ1000ER

The "Extended Range" variant of the CRJ1000 with an increased MTOW of , enabling an increased range of . Its first customer is Garuda Indonesia.

CRJ1000EL

The "EuroLite" variant of the CRJ1000 has a reduced MTOW of to minimize weight-related charges for European operators. Consequently, the range on the EuroLite is reduced to . Its first customer is Air France–KLM regional subsidiary Brit Air.

Operators

, 266 CRJ700 aircraft (all variants), 444 CRJ900 aircraft (all variants), and 62 CRJ1000 aircraft were in airline service with SkyWest Airlines (143), Endeavor Air (114), PSA Airlines (108), Mesa Airlines (84), and other operators with fewer aircraft of the type.

Deliveries

Data as of 1 January 2021.Bombardier Program Report. CRJ Series

Accidents and incidents

* On 29 January 2025, American Eagle Flight 5342, a CRJ701ER, registered as N709PS, carrying 64 people, collided with a United States Army Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter while approaching Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, causing both aircraft to crash into the Potomac River. All 67 passengers and crew on both aircraft were killed (64 on the CRJ700 and 3 on the Black Hawk). It was the first fatal accident involving the Bombardier CRJ700 series.
*On 17 February 2025, Delta Connection Flight 4819, a CRJ900LR, registered as N932XJ, crashed on landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport, coming to rest upside-down. The plane lost its right wing and tail fin. The fuselage was not engulfed in fire. There were no fatalities among the 80 passengers and crew, but the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Specifications

See also

Notable appearances in media

In 2006, the CRJ700 was featured in Microsoft Flight Simulator X as one of the default aircraft.

Notes

References

External links

MHI RJ Aviation – CRJ Series page
*

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