United revealed a brand new aircraft today, the CRJ-550, that I call the business-friendly regional jet. It’s quite a leap from United’s current 50-seat jet.
Currently, United operates CRJ-200s through its various United Express partners. These 50-seat aircrafts are single-cabin, feature tight legroom, no power, no wi-fi, and are generally very uncomfortable.
But today, United unveiled a new 50-seat regional jet, called the CRJ-550, that will represent a new era in the regional jet market. These jets, produced by Bombardier, will be equivalent in size to the CRJ-700 but features 30% less seats.
The infographic below sums up most of what we know about the new aircraft.
My takeaways:
- I love the premium-heavy configuration.
- Oversized closets plus overhead bins will cut the need to gate check larger carry-on bags, a huge plus for all travelers.
- The Self-service beverage and snack station is intriguing. Will it just be a counter or something more substantial like the lovely “kitchens” in SAS Business Class.
- Wi-Fi onboard is so essential…hopefully it will be high-speed.
Already, I love flying United’s EMB-175s more than many mainline aircraft. I suspect that this aircraft will be an even more comfortable experience.
Where to Fly the Bombardier CRJ-550
United will introduce the CRJ-500 on select regional routes from Chicago O’Hare this summer. As more aircraft arrive, the aircraft will also be found at Newark.
CONCLUSION
I am excited to fly on this new aircraft. I get stuck on 50-seat regional jets all the time flying out of Burbank. While we won’t see them anytime soon on the West Coast, this looks to be a great addition to the United Express fleet.
Be an even?
___ more comfortable experience. 😉
Gracias.
I saw the news yesterday too, and I am very excited! ORD is my main hub outside of Los Angeles and I hate the current planes. Seems like they’ve been flying then for 20 years. Narrow seats, no storage… and so loud inside it’s difficult to have a conversation. Even an hour long flight sucks. This looks great!
I fly on regional jets out of Columbus, Ohio all the time. I hate the experience currently, but deal with it for just an hour. Not having to gate check my bag will be worth its weight in gold, as will a seat that I can sit up straight in.
Little more than a reconfigured CRJ-700, but a more passenger-friendly layout!
Having just experienced a three hour denslely packed CRJ flight from DEN to Vancouver last night, a premium-heavy config would be a welcome change. Even as 1K, I didn’t clear one of the 6 first class seats – likely sold for $89 to twice a year travellers – and the (only) three rows of economy plus were full. You literally limp off the plane.
I’m a big fan of the idea… But they are just moving those crapy CRJ-200’s IAH and other hubs… They are already popping up on schedules.
They belong in the bone yard…
no lav?
50 seats mean 1 FA. That’s why F is self service. We’ll see how this goes.
EMB-175 is one of my favorite aircraft as well. Row 7 seats are amazing for legroom and under-seat storage, and I usually fly these on less popular routes (obviously) so I’m upgraded frequently.
The plural of aircraft is ‘aircraft’.
Where are the bathrooms?
The cockpit?
Will this be preferable to the EMB-175?
Snack station seems like a way to cut back on a flight attendant. And perhaps not serve meals (except possibly self-serve sandwiches.
Typical UA cheapness if so.
Nothing like EMB 170-195 series; same exact cabin & 17.1″ seat width as current CRJ line, just more leg room.
I’m a few months late to this news but wow how has this not received more press!? This could be a huge leap forward in the 50 seat market. I’m based in a market that is solely supported by 50 seaters so I’ve been wondering what will replace the current CRJ-200 and ERJ-145 when they age out. This could be a great thing. I just hope UA doesn’t bungle it.
This plane is going to sell like hotcakes being the only current 50 seat plane on the market. It’s definitely a good way to bump up orders @Bombardier. All EMB has is the – 145. I can’t wait to watch Sam do a video of him flying somewhere in 1st class and the self serve table.
Only one lavatory and its located in the back of the CRJ.
No power outlets. Not that it’s critical with short-haul flights, but I am surprised.
First class seats are very comfortable.
Luggage closets are great. And the overheads can fit fairly robust backpacks, like my own (but I still prefer the closet).
Wow, I missed that. First class has no power outlets?