Quantcast

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

American Halts CRJ-200 Operations
Shanghai Airlines to Launch Casablanca Route
Delta employees to receive an average five weeks of pay in annual profit sharing
Akasa Air faces DGCA heat for lapses; warning letter issued to airline's accountable manager
Engine maker agrees to compensate WizzAir for grounded planes
Turkish Airlines’ flights are riddled with bedbugs, passengers say
British Airways frequent flyers react to Executive Club changes
Inside the short-lived, men-only flights where kids and women were banned but cigar and pipe smoking were rife
China steps up drive to break Boeing, Airbus grip on plane market
Heathrow’s New York service clings to spot in top aviation routes
Airline praises pilots in crash-landing where both died but nearly half the passengers survived
Mexico state airline to buy five Embraer planes next year
A record number of people are expected to fly over the holidays. That's good for travel stocks, but not for passengers.
American Airlines technical issue sparks travel chaos on Christmas Eve as flights heavily delayed after being grounded
Why United Airlines has had such a stellar year despite being Boeing's biggest customer
JetBlue nixing routes between multiple major cities, reducing several others
Airline Stocks Led The Travel Industry's Record 2024 Rally. Here's What's Next.
It’s beginning to look like another record for holiday travel
Qatar Airways cleans up at the World Travel Awards
All of the strikes at European airports this winter – find out if you are affected
Meet the CEO trying to turn around Air India, the 92-year-old airline with a pile of problems
Skiplagging: Unpacking the Risky Travel Trend That Involves Tricking Airlines
Qantas engineers walk off job on one of the busiest travel days of the year
South Korea to safeguard competition after Korean Air, Asiana merger
China Southern returns to Adelaide
Global Airline Industry Revenues Forecast To Top $1 Trillion For First Time In 2025
EasyJet to launch six new routes from the UK next year with £24 flights
Here's Why Analysts Say It's a Good Time to Buy Airline Stocks
A No-Frills Airline Is Getting Into the Premium Game
TAKING OFF: Major airline introduces new inflight service rules with less time to order your drinks
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