Quantcast

American Airlines retains CRJ900 in fleet amid production end and scope clause constraints

Explore Japan for free? Japan Airlines offers free domestic flights to foreign travelers
Delta named Official Airline Partner of Birmingham City Football Club
American Airlines to Cut These Routes to Las Vegas, Orlando, and More — Here's Why
Alaska Airlines completes acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, expanding benefits and choice for travelers
Southwest wouldn't really start charging for bags — right?
JD Power ranked this Midwest airport as the best among largest airports in North America
Alaska Airlines Chief Plans More Routes After a Deal With Hawaiian
Air Canada could begin suspending flights soon as strike deadline nears
JetBlue's new ticket policy entitles every passenger to a carry-on bag
Why United Airlines’ CEO makes as few decisions as possible
American invests in the future of aviation maintenance with new jobs, additional work
DOT probe seeks to determine if frequent flyer programs are fair to travelers
American Airlines flight diverted after passenger starts vaping
Russian Airline Wants $100 Million From Canada for Seizing Its Giant Cargo Plane
Here's where American Airlines is adding flights to Europe in summer 2025
Major airline grounds Airbus A350 fleet, citing faulty engine component
Airline CEO wants airports to cap passengers at 2 alcoholic drinks to limit on-board disruptions
Regulator cuts Malaysia Airlines' air operator certificate duration after probe
United Airlines flight attendants are prepared to strike. Here's why it's still unlikely.
2 workers killed, 1 injured in tire explosion at a Delta Air Lines shop in Atlanta
Emirates Will Buy 5 Airbus A380s From Lessor For $200 Million
Delta Air Lines named official airline of the WNBA
Pair Of C-Suite Officials Depart Wheels Up
LAX Receives Final Cars for People Mover Train
Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines merger clears Justice Department hurdle, now faces DOT
Alaska Airlines flight attendants reject new contract, union says there's 'more work to do'
Elliott Investment To Push For 10 New Boardroom Directors At Southwest Airlines
Alaska Air Backs JetZero Blended-Wing Design
AI in Aviation Line Maintenance: A Strategic Response to Delays, Satisfaction, and Staffing Challenges
Air taxi service plans for 2026 Los Angeles launch at USC, SoFi and LAX
American Airlines retains CRJ900 in fleet amid production end and scope clause constraints
Policy
Webp received 1704744813727077
American Airlines CRJ 900 | Official Website

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.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

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.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

The United States Air Force remains the largest operator of the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II fighter jet.

Jun 29, 2025

The Brazilian aviation regulatory authority, ANAC, has ordered the permanent closure of Voepass Linhas Aéreas.

Jun 29, 2025

Europe's airline market may soon experience a significant shift as the European Union moves to prohibit airlines from charging passengers extra for hand luggage.

Jun 29, 2025

On June 13, 2025, it was reported that Airbus is set to begin flight tests for two new variants of its popular wide-body jet, the Airbus A350.

Jun 29, 2025

The integration of ITA Airways into the Lufthansa Group marks a significant development in European commercial aviation.

Jun 29, 2025

The geopolitical situation in the Middle East has recently created significant challenges for airlines operating in the region, with sudden airspace closures affecting flight schedules.

Jun 29, 2025