Whereas particulars stay restricted as of now, it appears like Delta Connection will quickly begin flying some very spacious regional jets, as first flagged by AirlineGeeks.
SkyWest will fly CRJ-550s for Delta Connection
Delta has up to date the fleet web page of its web site to mirror the seat map for a brand new plane kind. Particularly, the airline quickly plans to start out flying the CRJ-550, in partnership with regional provider SkyWest.
The very first thing to know is that the CRJ-550 is simply kind of an actual plane. Once you have a look at Bombardier’s regional jets, the frequent variants are the CRJ-200, CRJ-700, and CRJ-900, with the distinction being the scale of the jets.
In actuality, the CRJ-550 is solely a rebranded model of the CRJ-700. Whereas the CRJ-700 can doubtlessly seat 76 passengers, the CRJ-550 is similar plane, simply with so much fewer seats. Delta’s CRJ-550 is anticipated to function 50 seats, comprised of:
- 10 top quality seats
- 20 additional legroom financial system seats
- 20 commonplace financial system seats
In contrast to all different variations of the CRJ, this plane has closets the place carry-on luggage might be saved, in order that’s superior for passengers.
Why would an airline deliberately configure a regional jet in such an inefficient configuration? Effectively, the CRJ-550 is meant to bypass the scope clause that mainline pilots at Delta have. It’s commonplace that the pilot contracts on the main airways restrict the entire variety of regional jets that may be flying, although that complete restrict sometimes applies to regional jets with over 50 seats.
By having regional jets with precisely 50 seats, Delta can enhance the variety of regional jets that it flies, with out violating its scope clause.
Delta isn’t the primary airline to do that. In 2019, United Categorical turned the primary airline to function the CRJ-550, with subsidiary GoJet being the provider flying these planes. Now Delta is following United’s lead. GoJet has a complete of 36 plane on this configuration.
The place are these CRJ-550s coming from?
SkyWest is a regional airline that operates flights on behalf of the regional subsidiaries of the entire “massive three” US carriers, so the airline flies for American Eagle, Delta Connection, and United Categorical. Over time, the contracts between the key carriers and regional carriers change.
SkyWest not too long ago had 19 CRJ-700s finish their flying contract with American Eagle, so that they turned out there. Throughout a latest earnings name, the corporate confirmed that these jets will transition to turn into CRJ-550s. It wasn’t said which airline the planes would fly for, however that’s now fairly clear.
What’s going to Delta Connection do with these plane?
After all the quick reply is that Delta is the world’s most premium airline, and the demand for Delta’s premium merchandise is all the time via the roof. So Delta might fly these planes between Tulsa and Salt Lake Metropolis at 5AM on Sunday mornings and have a ready checklist of individuals begging to get pleasure from Delta’s premium experiences. 😉
In all honesty, we must always discover out quickly sufficient what Delta has deliberate for these jets, as they’re anticipated to enter service this summer season. Clearly Delta desires to develop regional capability, however can’t violate its scope clause with pilots. So there’s speak of one in all two issues taking place:
- Might Delta simply fly these planes in low demand or excessive frequency markets with sturdy premium demand, the place it desires a aggressive product?
- Might Delta fly these plane in Important Air Service (EAS) markets, the place it doesn’t wish to use planes that depend towards the scope clause restrict, however nonetheless desires so as to add service?
We must always discover out quickly sufficient…
Backside line
Delta is anticipated to quickly begin flying the CRJ-550, as SkyWest will fly the plane on behalf of Delta Connection. That is basically the identical aircraft because the CRJ-700, besides with decrease capability. Count on plenty of premium seats, closets for baggage, and an all-around nice expertise.
The one cause this aircraft exists is due to the scope clause that mainline pilots get, as that is probably the most sensible means for airways so as to add regional capability with out violating that.
What do you make of Delta Connection including the CRJ-550 to its fleet?
