Summary

  • Delta Air Lines is quickly incorporating new Bombardier CRJ550s into its regional operation.
  • The aircraft are set to operate out of Salt Lake City International Airport (SCL) to Nevada, Montana, and Utah.
  • They will partially replace CRJ900s and have less capacity.

Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines is not wasting any time integrating Bombardier CRJ550s into its regional route network. The aircraft, which are owned and operated by SkyWest Airlines, will begin flights under Delta’s regional brand, Delta Connection, in July.

The news comes as the US legacy carrier updated its website to feature the jets and their seating layout earlier this month. As modified CRJ700s, the aircraft will be converted to a two-class configuration to bear the -550 designation.

Nevada, Utah & Montana

According to aviation data and analysis provider Cirium, Delta will debut the CRJ550s from its hub at Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) to four small-town destinations:

  • Bert Mooney Airport (BTM)
  • Cedar City Regional Airport (CDC)
  • Elko Regional Airport (EKO)
  • Yellowstone Airport (WYS)
Delta Connection (SkyWest Airlines) Bombardier CRJ700.

Photo: Austin Deppe | Shutterstock

BTM is located in Silver Bow County, Montana. While Delta is currently the only carrier to serve the airport, United Airlines’ regional brand, United Express, reportedly used to schedule flights to and from Denver International Airport (DEN). In July, Delta has the CRJ550 scheduled once daily between SLC and BTM, accounting for a total of 62 flights. CDC is near Cedar City in the southwest portion of Utah. The CRJ550 service will operate four times weekly in July, with 21 flights in each direction, resulting in a total of 42 flights.

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EKO, located in Northeast Nevada, will see daily frequencies on the aircraft. The smaller CRJ200 formerly handled the route until SkyWest retired the aircraft type late last year. WYS, a slightly more popular airport in south central Montana, will also have daily flights. However, the service is seasonal, lasting through October.

Joining the CRJ900

The CRJ550s will partially replace the larger CRJ900s, which are currently deployed on all four routes. SLC-BTM and SLC-WYS will have twice-daily flights operated jointly by both aircraft types. While the CRJ550 is scheduled on 42 flights between SLC and CDC, the CRJ900 will operate the route daily. The CRJ500 will entirely replace service to EKO, as the CRJ900 is only scheduled on one flight from EKO to SLC. The CRJ550 will handle the remainder of the once-daily service in July.

Delta is the only carrier with scheduled flights at BTM, CDC, and EKO, thanks to the Essential Air Service (EAS) program. In addition to Delta, United also operates at WYS with flights to DEN. Both services are also subsidized by EAS contracts.

Delta Connection Bombardier CRJ700.

Photo: Digital Media Pro | Shutterstock

Converted from accommodating 69 passengers, the CRJ550s have 50 seats in a two-class configuration. First class comprises 10 seats in a 1-2 layout and the main cabin has 40 seats in a 2-2 layout. 20 main cabin seats are designated as Delta Comfort+ seats with three additional inches of legroom. The interior upgrades will include inflight WiFi, USB in-seat power, and AC power outlets at every seat.

Decrease in capacity

The CRJ900s can carry as many as 76 passengers. Although the CRJ550 represents a decrease in capacity, the accommodation is more appropriate given the size of the small-town markets. Simple Flying previously reported that SkyWest would operate 19 CRJ550s under the Delta Connection brand after the jets’ contract ended with American Eagle, American Airlines’ regional brand.

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It is unclear how many of the 19 aircraft have been converted to the -550 designation so far. Additionally, whether the planes will feature the Delta Connection livery once service from SLC begins is unknown. Simple Flying contacted Delta for comment on Sunday, but a representative could not be immediately reached.

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