ATLANTA- Delta Air Lines (DL) has recently updated the fleet page on its website to incorporate the seat map for a new aircraft model, as it is gearing up to introduce the CRJ-550 in collaboration with regional carrier SkyWest (OO).
It’s important to note that the CRJ-550 is somewhat of a hybrid aircraft.
Delta Adding CRJ-500 Aircraft
When considering Bombardier’s regional jets, the typical models include the CRJ-200, CRJ-700, and CRJ-900, each varying in size, reported OMAAT.
In actuality, the CRJ-550 is essentially a rebranded version of the CRJ-700.
While the CRJ-700 has the capacity to accommodate up to 76 passengers, the CRJ-550 is essentially the same aircraft, albeit with significantly fewer seats. Delta’s CRJ-550 is anticipated to feature 50 seats, distributed as follows:
- 10 first-class seats
- 20 extra-legroom economy seats
- 20 standard economy seats
Unlike other versions of the CRJ, this aircraft boasts closets designed for storing carry-on bags, which is a notable amenity for passengers.
Why would an airline deliberately configure a regional jet in a seemingly inefficient manner? The CRJ-550 serves a strategic purpose: it allows Delta to navigate around the scope clause imposed by mainline pilots.
Typically, major airline pilot contracts restrict the number of regional jets in operation, although this limit usually applies to jets with more than 50 seats.
By employing regional jets with precisely 50 seats, Delta can expand its regional jet fleet without breaching its scope clause.
Delta isn’t the pioneer of this strategy. In 2019, United Express became the first airline to operate the CRJ-550, with GoJet, its subsidiary, operating these aircraft. Delta is now following United’s example. GoJet currently operates 36 aircraft in this configuration.
SkyWest to Operate this Aircraft
SkyWest, a regional airline, operates flights on behalf of the regional subsidiaries of all three major US carriers—American Eagle, Delta Connection, and United Express. Contracts between major carriers and regional carriers evolve over time.
Recently, SkyWest had 19 CRJ-700s that concluded their contract with American Eagle, rendering them available.
During a recent earnings call, the company confirmed that these jets would transition to become CRJ-550s. Although it wasn’t specified which airline would operate these planes, it’s now evident.
We should soon learn Delta’s plans for these jets, as they are slated to enter service this summer. Delta aims to expand regional capacity while adhering to pilot scope clauses. There’s speculation about two potential scenarios:
Could Delta operate these planes in markets with either low demand or high-frequency routes with robust premium demand, thereby offering a competitive product?
Could Delta deploy these aircraft in Essential Air Service (EAS) markets, where it seeks to add service without exceeding the scope clause limit for aircraft?
Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.
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