Industry American Airlines orders regional jets

American Airlines has announced a split order for two regional aircraft types. For its regional subsidiary American Eagle, the carrier has ordered similar Bombardier and Embraer aircraft.

The Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft will be operated by PSA Airlines, a regional airline, based at Dayton International Airport in Vandalia. PSA Airlines operates a fleet of 123 Canadair CRJ aircraft, including CRJ 200s, CRJ700s and CRJ900s for American Eagle.

American Airlines´ firm order for the Bombardier aircraft is valued at approximately $719 million, according to list prices. The carrier intends to take delivery of the first new CRJ900 in the second quarter of 2019. The aircraft will be configured with 12 seats in first and 64 seats in economy.

Fred Cromer, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft, commented: “We are pleased with American’s continued confidence in Bombardier and the CRJ900 aircraft [...] This order is a testament to the tremendous value that the CRJ Series provides to airlines in the North American regional market. With its outstanding economics and new cabin design, the CRJ900 continues to offer unique revenue growth opportunities, while delivering the most modern regional jet cabin features in line with today’s trends and requirements.”

The CRJ900s will feature Bombardier´s latest cabin enhancement, the Atmosphère cabin. The new layout allows it, that a large number of oversized roller bags can be accommodated in the cabin.

The additional ordered 15 Embraer E175 aircraft will be operated by American Airlines’ subsidiary Envoy. The contract has a value of $705 million. First deliveries are scheduled between March and November 2019.

“We are thrilled that the E175 continues to be the right solution for American. This is American’s fourth order for the E175 since 2013 and their repeat order demonstrates how well the aircraft serves their business needs and the confidence they have in our platform,” said Charlie Hillis, Vice President, Sales & Marketing, North America, Embraer Commercial Aviation.

The aircraft will have a similar seat configuration with 12 first and 64 economy class seats.

American Airlines is one of the biggest US American carriers. Its fleet measures nearly 950 aircraft, including widebody planes such as Airbus A330, Boeing 777 and 787. Lately, the airline ordered 47 additional Boeing 787. American serves 360 destinations in 61 countries.

Several airlines, including Envoy Air, ExpressJet, Mesa Airlines and PSA Airlines, operate flights under the American Airlines regional brand American Eagle. The fleet with several aircraft types includes over 580 aircraft.