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Regional jets are not typically associated with long-haul flights, but in the United States, Delta Air Lines and American Airlines are using the Bombardier CRJ700 for some of the longest routes globally. The CRJ700, a short- to medium-range regional jet, has become an essential part of modern air travel since its first flight on May 27, 1999.
Originally designed for shorter flights, US airline labor rules known as scope clause agreements restrict the size and capacity of jets that regional carriers can operate. These rules have led Delta and American to utilize the CRJ700 for longer routes that do not require larger aircraft.
Delta Connection focuses on high-altitude and mountainous routes in the western US. A notable example is the route from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to Aspen/Pitkin County Airport, which at 1,304 miles is the longest CRJ700 flight worldwide. "It's a premium-heavy route into a resort town surrounded by peaks," highlighting how well-suited the CRJ700 is for such challenging environments.
