Bombardier CRJ 900

The Bombardier CRJ900 is a regional jet passenger aircraft developed by the Canadian aircraft manufacturer Bombardier Aerospace. It serves as an extended variant of the CRJ (Canadair Regional Jet) family. The aircraft was designed for medium-range flights within regional airline networks.

Bombardier CRJ900 (Pixabay)

Development Purpose and History

The CRJ900 is an enhanced and stretched version of the earlier CRJ700 model. Bombardier designed the CRJ900 based on the CRJ700 to meet growing passenger demand and offer higher capacity. It made its first flight in 2001 and entered commercial service in 2003. The CRJ900 enabled regional carriers to operate more efficiently on busier routes.

Design and Technical Specifications

The Bombardier CRJ900 features specific technical characteristics and a number of design elements:

• Engines: The aircraft is powered by two General Electric CF34-8C5 turbofan engines, designed to deliver thrust and performance.
• Passenger Capacity: It typically accommodates between 76 and 90 passengers. The cabin is usually configured in either a two-class or economy-only layout.
• Range: Its maximum range reaches 2,871 km (1,550 nautical miles) at cruising speed.
• Speed: The maximum cruising speed is specified at 0.82 Mach (871 km/h).
• Dimensions: It has a length of approximately 36.2 metres, a wingspan of 24.9 metres, and a height of 7.5 metres.
• Weights: The maximum takeoff weight varies between 36,514 kg (80,500 lb) and 38,330 kg (84,500 lb).
• Avionics: Advanced cockpit features include a Head-up Guidance System (HGS), Space-Based Augmentation System (SBAS), Coupled Vertical Navigation (CVNAV), and Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B Out).

Operators and Usage

The CRJ900 is operated by numerous regional airlines worldwide. Major operators include Lufthansa Regional (Lufthansa CityLine) and SAS. The aircraft is commonly used for feeder flights between major hub airports and smaller cities, or on regional routes with lower passenger density. Features such as a wider cabin and increased seat pitch have provided a notable level of comfort for a regional aircraft.