It isn’t usually that you simply hear vacationers sing the praises of a regional jet, however that is likely to be about to alter aboard Delta Air Traces.
The Atlanta-based provider’s regional affiliate SkyWest Airways will introduce the custom-configured Bombardier CRJ-550 regional jet on choose Delta Connection flights, as first reported by AirlineGeeks and later confirmed to TPG by a provider spokesperson.
Delta’s CRJ-550 will debut within the coming weeks, and it’s outfitted in the very same configuration as United Airways’. The jet will function 10 first-class recliners, in addition to 20 extra-legroom Consolation+ seats and 20 normal financial system seats.
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In contrast to different regional jets, the CRJ-550 can even function three particular baggage closets between top quality and financial system, with house for a handful of full-size rollaboards. Usually, when flying on a small regional jet, giant carry-on baggage have to be gate-checked or valeted for supply after the flight.
This course of takes up treasured time throughout connections and can also be a manner for vacationers to lose their baggage. (That is why I all the time advocate utilizing Apple AirTags, even if you’re touring with solely carry-ons.)
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Along with the storage closets, first-class passengers will take pleasure in a small walk-up bar space stocked with snacks and mushy drinks within the galley.
Throughout all three cabins, the CRJ-550 will match a complete of fifty passengers — a quantity that was deliberately chosen by Delta for one huge strategic cause.
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Main U.S. airways have so-called scope clauses with their pilot unions that restrict the variety of flights that may be operated with regional jets. These scope clauses are designed to make sure that carriers will not merely outsource as a lot flying as doable to (cheaper) regional associates.
Scope clauses put a cap on the variety of flights that may be operated by smaller regional jets. Nevertheless, there’s usually one huge exemption from these scope clauses: They do not apply to regional jets that match 50 passengers or fewer.
As for the CRJ-550, this airplane is purposefully laid out to accommodate simply 50 passengers. In truth, the fuselage of the CRJ-550 is the very same one because the CRJ-700, which may match round 70 passengers.
Nevertheless, because of the scope clause, Delta cannot merely add extra flights on the CRJ-700 (and even bigger regional jets) if it needs to develop its regional operations.
It might probably take away seats from regional jets to accommodate 50 passengers, thereby avoiding violating the scope clause and giving passengers a extra snug onboard expertise.
In truth, it is a transfer first popularized by United, and its United Specific regional division. The Chicago-based provider was the first airline to fly the CRJ-550 back in 2019. Given the airplane’s premium-heavy configuration, it now operates on a number of the airline’s extra business-focused regional routes, akin to between Newark and Washington, D.C.
5 years later, Delta appears to agree that United’s transfer is certainly one value copying. There isn’t any telling but which routes Delta’s CRJ-550 will fly, however the airline did affirm that the CRJ-550 will exchange single-class regional jets.
“SkyWest is within the technique of implementing the CRJ550 in its Delta Connection operations later this yr. The 2-class CRJ550 will likely be modified from SkyWest’s present fleet and can exchange flying that was beforehand single-class to align with the Delta Connection expertise prospects have come to anticipate from Delta,” Delta shared in a press release.
As Delta leans into its technique of being essentially the most premium U.S. airline, it is smart for the airline to introduce the CRJ-550. The airline’s mainline pilots won’t love the transfer, but it surely’s a win-win for passengers and the provider.
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