A stretched version of the popular CRJ family designed for regional operations. Known for its fuel efficiency and ability to serve smaller airports. Now produced by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries after Bombardier sold the program.
Passengers
76-90
Range
1,837 mi
Cruise Speed
547 mph
First Flight
2001
Did You Know?
The CRJ family helped create the modern regional jet market, proving that jets could economically serve routes previously dominated by turboprops.
History & Timeline
Key Milestones
First Flight
The CRJ-900 completed its maiden flight on February 21, 2001, from Montreal Mirabel, demonstrating the stretched fuselage design.
Entry into Service
Mesa Air Group became the first CRJ-900 operator in 2003, using it under contract for US Airways Express regional operations.
Development Story
Program Launch
Bombardier launched the CRJ-900 as a stretched version of the CRJ-700 to offer larger regional jet capacity while maintaining the families commonality advantages.
SkyWest Fleet
SkyWest Airlines operates one of the worlds largest CRJ-900 fleets, using it to provide regional service for United, Delta, and American Airlines.
Program Sale to Mitsubishi
Bombardier sold the CRJ program to Mitsubishi in 2020, though Mitsubishi later shut down regional aircraft manufacturing, leaving the CRJ with no new production.
Interesting Facts
CRJ Family Evolution
The CRJ-900 traces its lineage to the Canadair Challenger business jet, which was stretched into the CRJ-100/200 and then into the CRJ-700/900/1000 series.
Common Type Rating
Pilots with a CRJ-200 type rating need only minimal differences training to fly the CRJ-900, reducing airline training costs significantly.
2-2 Seating Comfort
The CRJ-900s 2-2 seating configuration means every passenger has either a window or aisle seat, eliminating the unpopular middle seat.
Legacy & Impact
Regional Jet Pioneer
The CRJ family helped establish the regional jet concept, proving that jet service could be economically viable on routes previously served only by turboprops.
Technical Specifications
Performance
- Range
- 2,956 km (1,837 mi)
- Cruise Speed
- 881 km/h (547 mph)
- Service Ceiling
- 12,497 m (41,001 ft)
Dimensions
- Length
- 36.2 m (119 ft)
- Wingspan
- 24.9 m (82 ft)
Capacity
- Passengers
- 76-90
- Cargo Volume
- 14.5 m³
Engines
- Engine Count
- 2x GE CF34-8C5
- Manufacturer
- General Electric
- Thrust (each)
- 60 kN
Weights
- Max Takeoff (MTOW)
- 38,330 kg (84,503 lbs)
- Fuel Capacity
- 8,870 L (2,343 gal)
Takeoff / Landing
- Takeoff Distance
- 1,850 m (6,070 ft)
- Landing Distance
- 1,620 m (5,315 ft)
Commercial
- Total Orders
- 405
- Delivered
- 405
- List Price
- $44.0M
History
- First Flight
- January 1, 2001
- Status
- Out of Production
Sources
Data compiled from the following sources:
-
D
Wikipedia - CRJ Series
Production now under Mitsubishi
M Manufacturer D Aviation Database N News