Bombardier - CRJ900 ER
The CRJ900 Series is available in Standard, Extended Range (ER), and Long Range (LR) versions with maximum take-off weights of 36,514kg; 37,421kg; and 38,329 kg respectively. Compared with the standard version, the CRJ900 ER offers a range increase with 86 passengers of 452km, whereas the CRJ900 LR offers a 272kg increase in payload, a 252km increase in range and can carry a full passenger load more than 1,658 km from a 1,767 m runway. Maximum cruise speed increased slightly over the 700 Series to 881 kmh. The prototype CRJ900 flew for the first time on 21 February 2001. Although, launch customer GECAS later cancelled its order, Mesa later converted orders for five CRJ700s to CRJ900s, bringing their total commitment to 25. Delivery of their first aircraft, all ER variants, took place on 30 January 2003. Mesa configured their CRJ900 in a two-class, 80-seat layout and placed the type into service in April 2003. Although arriving in the market two full years ahead of the nearest rival, Embraer’s 175, and despite offering advantages of commonality with earlier versions of the CRJ, orders for the CRJ900 for carriers like Air Canada and PSA Airlines have been lost as a consequence of the failure of the carriers concerned to negotiate the required relaxation in “Scope Clauses” need to operate the CRJ900, with the unions. These difficulties lead GECAS to cancel its order, as did European launch customer Brit Air. Similarly, interest from both Air Nostrum and Tyrolean Airways failed to be converted into sales. There was some consolation in Air Canada’s order for 15 CRJ705s. This is a CRJ900 airframe “Scoped” to carry just 75 passengers. In the mean time, and relatively untroubled by Scope Clause issues, Embraer has been able to take major orders for its family of regional jets based on the 170 from carriers like Air Canada, Alitalia Express, Chatauqua, Copa, Flybe. Bombardier announced a CRJ900 upgrade in March 2005. This entails optimising the 900’s leading-edge slats and modifying the wing tip and winglet, to produce a lower lift/drag ratio which reduces both approach speeds and fuel consumption while also improving payload range capability from shorter airfields and in, hot and high conditions. Whether this will provide the boost needed to help the CRJ900 in the battle with its Brazilian competitors remains to be seen. Bombardier’s proposed C Series, featuring a wider fuselage and new generation engines mounted under the wings, will, if launched perhaps regain the market lead in the segment back for the Brazilian competition.
