Industry Bombardier launches new CRJ550 aircraft

Canada´s Bombardier has officially announced that the manufacturer will launch a new aircraft programme. The CRJ550 is an advancement of the current CRJ700 platform and is expected to be able to accommodate up to 50 passengers on board.

As the first 50-Seat aircraft in the world, the CRJ550 features a three-class configuration. First class seats, economy plus seats and economy class seats will be available in the aircraft. This allows operators to serve all-market segments while meeting operational requirements.

Fred Cromer, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft said: “The new CRJ550 model is the only solution in North America that can replace the existing fleet of ageing 50-seaters, a market of over 700 aircraft [...] It offers improved passenger experience with ample onboard storage for carry-on bags and more passenger living space. This is one more example of how we are focusing on creating value for our customers and a very important endorsement from United in regard to the CRJ platform.”

Launch customer will be United Airlines. The major U.S.-carrier has ordered 50 CRJ550s and will take deliveries of the first aircraft later this year. United customers on the CRJ550 will be able to use a self-serve beverage and a snack station. Moreover, larger legroom and more storage room for carry-on baggage will become available in the CRJ550.

United Airlines´ CRJ550s will feature 10 United First class seats, 20 United Economy Plus seats and 20 United Economy seats. Mainly, the carrier will operate the aircraft on routes to and from Chicago O´Hare and New York/Newark.

The carrier wrote: "We will revolutionize the regional flying experience by becoming the first airline in the world to welcome the two-cabin, 50-seat Bombardier CRJ 550 aircraft to our fleet, offering customers on key regional routes more legroom, storage and amenities than any other 50-seat regional aircraft operating today."

United Airlines is one of the largest airlines in the world and a major carrier in the United States. The current fleet consists of 71 Airbus A319s, 99 A320s, 341 Boeing B737s, 77 B757s, 54 B767s, 92 B777s, 41 B787s and three CRJ100s.