A wholly owned subsidiary of American Airlines, PSA Airlines, plays a key role in connecting regional centers to major hubs. Their fleet includes the Bombardier CRJ900, a regional jet designed for short to medium-haul routes. Designed by Bombardier, the CRJ900 production has been sold to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. It can accommodate between 76 to 90 passengers in a two-class layout. The CRJ900 is an extended version of the CRJ700, meant for routes where demand does not justify larger jets like the Airbus A320 or Boeing 737.
“The CRJ is one of the most fuel-efficient regional jet aircraft with modern avionics,” according to a spokesperson. It is powered by two General Electric CF34-8C5 turbofan engines, ensuring efficient connectivity under the American Eagle brand at American Airlines’ major hubs. PSA Airlines operates over 100 CRJ900s, split into First and Economy class.
The Bombardier CRJ, now under Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, was first introduced in 1991. The original CRJ100/200 began production in 1991, and the CRJ700’s production started in 1999. The program was acquired by Mitsubishi in June 2020, with production ending in December 2020.
While discussing the oldest and latest CRJ900 aircraft in the PSA fleet, it’s noted that the first CRJ900 was delivered in June 2014. The latest CRJ900 to become part of the fleet was acquired by PSA Airlines on March 24, 2025, and had previously served with CityJet and SAS Scandinavian Airlines.
The CRJ900 remains competitive despite ending production, contrasting the Embraer E175 still in production. Debates on whether airlines should replace the CRJ900 indicate the E175 and Airbus A220-100 as alternatives. However, existing scope clauses limit aircraft weight, impacting replacement options.
“Scope clauses dictate the operations,” said the spokesperson. For PSA, the clause determines the maximum number of regional aircraft and their seating capacity operated. This clause protects mainline pilot jobs by restricting regional carrier operations, keeping CRJ900s in circulation for years.
PSA Airlines, under the American Eagle brand, operates a robust network from AA hubs like Charlotte Douglas International Airport, the most popular airport for CRJ900s. Outside Charlotte, a key domestic route is between Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport, with 116 monthly flights. The busiest international route is from Charlotte to Toronto Pearson International Airport.
The CRJ900 maintains its relevance due to scope clauses and efficiency, continuing to play a vital role in American Airlines’ regional operations.
