Bombardier Delivers American Airlines’ First CRJ900 NextGen Jet
New Jets Use 5% Less Fuel Than Previous Versions
An American Airlines jet at JFK
American Airlines announced that it took delivery of its first new Bombardier CRJ900 NextGen aircraft, which was unveiled at a media event at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport Tuesday.
The new jet is the first of 30 CRJ900 NextGen aircraft that American ordered from Bombardier last December. The purchase order also included options for an additional 40 CRJ900 NextGen aircraft, and was valued at $1.42 billion, though it would increase to $3.38 billion if all options are exercised. .
The new CRJ900 NextGen model offers up to 5.5% lower fuel consumption than previous generations of CRJ900 planes, due to the aircraft’s more advanced technologies, which include a conic-shaped exhaust nozzle designed to improve exhaust flow.
The interior is configured in three classes of service, and features LED lighting and larger windows and overhead bins. The new aircraft have 12 first-class seats, 32 Main Cabin Extra premium-economy seats, and 32 seats in coach.
American said it plans to replace some of its smaller, less fuel-efficient aircraft in its regional fleet with the CRJ900 NextGen model, in order to reduce operating costs. The new aircraft will carry American Eagle livery, and will be operated by PSA Airlines, a subsidiary of American Airlines Group.
Bombardier Aerospace was founded in 1942 and is headquartered in Montreal, Canada. To date, Bombardier has received orders for a total of 1,817 CRJ model aircraft, including 343 CRJ900 and CRJ900 NextGen planes.
(Photo: Accura Media Group)
