Quantcast

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

Flight made emergency landing in Denver after reported animal strike and engine fire
General Dynamics says G800 jet receives FAA, EASA certifications
United Airlines doubles down on Chicago roots with new O'Hare billboards
Gatwick airport strikes, Easter 2025: will my flight be cancelled?
Boarding passes and check-in could be scrapped in air travel shake-up
European air traffic warning means summer delays for holidaymakers
The EU rule change that could affect millions of Brits when their flight is delayed or cancelled
Delta Earnings Land Soon. Why They’re Key for Airline Stocks and the Economy.
Avelo Airlines to Operate Deportation Flights, Hiring Flight Attendants
Travel chaos 2025: all the strikes and disruption expected across Europe
Qatar Airways accelerates Starlink wifi implementation
Southwest Airlines extends flight schedule through early April 2025
Cathay Pacific reaches 3,400 pilots this year, with low resignation rate of 2.9%
Qatar Airways Nears Boeing 777 Fleet-Wide Starlink Upgrade
United receives FAA approval for first Starlink-equipped planes
Qantas launches mammoth Asia flight sale including Bali and Japan
New Update from Air Canada, WestJet, American Airlines, Delta, United, Southwest, Alaska, JetBlue Airways, and Sunwing: Airline Capacity Between Canada and US Slashed as Bookings Plummet Seventy Per Cent
Delta Cuts Two Domestic Routes
United Airlines Technicians Reject ‘Dead on Arrival’ Contract Proposal, Teamsters Say
The State of the Asia Pacific Airline Industry
Spirit Airlines to add Detroit nonstop flight out of Bradley International Airport
Major airline to launch new direct flights from Scotland to North America
Ryanair launches new ‘prime’ membership which saves passengers more than £400 a year
Judge Orders Boeing to Trial on 737 MAX Case
Qantas’ free international Wi-Fi to switch on from next week
The real reason Southwest is charging for bags now
Air France-KLM in ongoing talks with Air Europa on potential stake, CEO says
Frontier Savagely Shades Southwest After They Eliminated Longstanding Free Bag Policy, Sparking Backlash
Frontier Wants You to 'Divorce Your Old Airline' After Southwest Changes
Delta named one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies for sustainability initiatives
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

United Airlines is set to expand its Premium Plus cabin in response to increasing demand for premium economy seats.

Jul 19, 2025

Emirates, the leading operator of Airbus A380 superjumbo jets, continues to find success with this aircraft as a flagship of its fleet.

Jul 19, 2025

An Antonov An-124 aircraft, owned by Antonov Airlines, has departed from Kyiv, Ukraine, after being grounded for over three years.

Jul 19, 2025

An Air China Airbus A350 and an SF Airlines Boeing 767-300ER were involved in a near-miss incident over Russian airspace.

Jul 19, 2025

Airbus is set to start equipping fuselages for its A321 aircraft in China.

Jul 19, 2025

For over five decades, the Boeing 747 has captured the attention of aviation enthusiasts and professionals.

Jul 19, 2025