Whereas particulars stay restricted as of now, it seems 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 replicate 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 service SkyWest.
The very first thing to know is that the CRJ-550 is simply type of an actual plane. If you take a look at Bombardier’s regional jets, the widespread 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 probably seat 76 passengers, the CRJ-550 is identical plane, simply with loads fewer seats. Delta’s CRJ-550 is anticipated to function 50 seats, comprised of:
- 10 first-class seats
- 20 further legroom financial system seats
- 20 customary financial system seats
In contrast to all different variations of the CRJ, this plane has closets the place carry-on baggage will 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 avoid the scope clause that mainline pilots at Delta have. It’s customary that the pilot contracts on the main airways restrict the whole variety of regional jets that may be flying, although that whole restrict sometimes applies to regional jets with over 50 seats.
By having regional jets with precisely 50 seats, Delta can improve 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 grew to become the primary airline to function the CRJ-550, with subsidiary GoJet being the service 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 all the “massive three” US carriers, so the airline flies for American Eagle, Delta Connection, and United Categorical. Over time, the contracts between the most important carriers and regional carriers change.
SkyWest not too long ago had 19 CRJ-700s finish their flying contract with American Eagle, so that they grew to become accessible. Throughout a current 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 is going to Delta Connection do with these plane?
In fact the quick reply is that Delta is the world’s most premium airline, and the demand for Delta’s premium merchandise is at all times by way of the roof. So Delta may fly these planes between Tulsa and Salt Lake Metropolis at 5AM on Sunday mornings and have a ready record of individuals begging to take pleasure in 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 increase regional capability, however can’t violate its scope clause with pilots. So there’s speak of one among two issues occurring:
- May Delta simply fly these planes in low demand or excessive frequency markets with sturdy premium demand, the place it desires a aggressive product?
- May Delta fly these plane in Important Air Service (EAS) markets, the place it doesn’t wish to use planes that rely towards the scope clause restrict, however nonetheless desires so as to add service?
We should 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 primarily the identical airplane because the CRJ-700, besides with decrease capability. Count on a lot of premium seats, closets for baggage, and an all-around nice expertise.
The one motive this airplane exists is due to the scope clause that mainline pilots get, as that is probably the most sensible method 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?
