Summary

  • Delta Air Lines will receive 19 converted Bombardier CRJ700s as CRJ550s.
  • SkyWest Air Lines plans to introduce the aircraft this summer, but an exact date is unspecified.
  • The transition to CRJ550s allows Delta to enter new markets and comply with contract restrictions.

Delta Air Lines has confirmed that its regional brand, Delta Connection, will receive 19 Bombardier CRJ550s to support its operation. The aircraft, which are owned and operated by SkyWest Airlines, are CRJ700s that will undergo a conversion to bear the -550 designation.

It comes as SkyWest reportedly indicated late last month that it would operate the variant following the expiration of the planes’ contract with American Airlines and its proposal of service to five small cities in the Midwest. The transition will make the regional carrier the second operator of the CRJ550 in the US.

Less capacity, more premium features

Delta recently updated its website to feature the variant. According to AirlineGeeks, SkyWest could introduce the aircraft as early as this summer. The CRJ550 is a modified version of the CRJ700, with a focus on premium features. The aircraft accommodates 50 passengers, down from the CRJ700’s capacity of up to 78.

Delta Connection Bombardier CRJ-550.

Photo: Delta Air Lines

Delta will configure the jets with 10 seats in first class in a 1-2 configuration, and 40 seats in the main cabin in a 2-2 layout. However, 20 main cabin seats are designated as Delta Comfort+ seats with three additional inches of legroom. The upgrades also include inflight WiFi, USB in-seat power, and AC power outlets at every seat.

When will they enter service?

Last month, Wade Steel, SkyWest’s Chief Commercial Officer, confirmed that the airline would convert the aircraft to the -550 designation, according to AirlineGeeks.

“The 19 CRJ-700s expiring from our American contract this year will transition to become CRJ-550s in our fleet.”

Steel went on to say that the carrier anticipates the first of the 19 aircraft would begin flying “during the summer months,” however a timeline and details on which aircraft will be converted is unclear. Simple Flying contacted both SkyWest and Delta on Sunday to receive more information, but representatives from both parties could not be immediately reached.

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SkyWest, one of the largest regional airlines in the world, operates 122 CRJ700s, according to data from ch-aviation. Although 19 planes expire with American, SkyWest still operates several others under the American Eagle brand. The carrier also has existing contracts to operate the aircraft under Delta and United Airlines’ respective regional brands.

Why was the -550 developed?

The CRJ550 was introduced in 2019 by Missouri-based GoJet Airlines, a regional carrier that operates exclusively for United Express. The airline has a fleet of 66 aircraft, according to ch-aviation. The modification, which enhances the passenger experience, allowed United to comply with its contract with its pilot’s union that limits the size and number of aircraft its regional affiliates may operate.

United Express (GoJet Airlines) Bombardier CRJ-550.

Photo: Kevin Hackert | Shutterstock

This agreement, known as a scope clause, influenced the concept of the CRJ550 as some markets the airline serves are designated for less capacity, and are appropriate for the smaller CRJ200, which accommodates 50 passengers. However, since the aging CRJ200 is becoming less favored, the CRJ550 is a feasible replacement as it carries the same amount of passengers.

Under the Essential Air Service (EAS) government program, which guarantees that small communities in the US have minimal levels of scheduled air service, SkyWest proposed service to five cities in Minnesota, Michigan, and Wisconsin late last year. Since the CRJ200 was phased out of Delta’s operations, the -550s will allow the airline to continue its plan while adhering to the relevant scope clauses.

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