Summary
- Delta Air Lines is retiring its Bombardier CRJ200 aircraft, replacing them with larger CRJ700 and CRJ900 aircraft that supply more amenities and seating options.
- Despite being unpopular with travelers, the CRJ200 played a big role in Delta’s regional network, providing connectivity to smaller airports. The aircraft will proceed to be utilized by United Express and American Eagle.
It’s the tip of an era for Delta Air Lines’ regional network. November 30 is about to be the last day of Bombardier CRJ200 operations, with the 50-seat short-haul aircraft being phased out in favor of more efficient, modern aircraft.
Into storage
The SkyWest Airlines’ operated aircraft have been regularly faraway from Delta Connection’s schedule over the past three years, following Delta Air Lines’ decision to retire its CRJ200 fleet in 2020.
Delta Air Lines notably ended its Endeavor Air CRJ200 services earlier this yr, ending Delta Connection’s usage of the aircraft at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL). Further operations at Midwest regional hubs Detroit Metropolitan Wayne Country Airport (DTW) and Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) were removed in October, leaving Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) because the remaining Delta Connection CRJ200 base.
Photo: Austin Deppe | Shutterstock
Three routes remain on Delta Air Lines’ schedule on November 30: Elko Regional Airport (EKO), Cedar City Regional Airport (CDC), and Canyonlands Regional Airport (CNY) in Moab, Utah. The CRJ900 will operate flights to Elko and Cedar City from December 1, while services to Canyonlands will finish for the season.
The aircraft was notably unpopular with travelers, owing to its small fuselage, limited legroom, and missing amenities. With Delta Air Lines shifting to make sure two-class operations on all regional branded services through 2024, the jet will likely be replaced by the larger CRJ700 and CRJ900s, able to offering first-class, comfort+, and economy seating.
Despite the poor fanfare from the general public, the aircraft served as a big workhorse for Delta Air Lines’ regional network, allowing for boosted connectivity at smaller, under-served airports across the US.
Bombardier’s CRJ200 isn’t gone for good, nonetheless; the regional jet will proceed operations with SkyWest under the United Airlines’ United Express brand and Air Wisconsin for American Eagle after being reactivated by American Airlines in April.
Shifting services
Delta Air Lines maintains one among the oldest industrial fleets of any major airline, averaging around 15 years, with some airframes clocking in at over 30 years old.
Photo: Markus Mainka | Shutterstock
In recent times, the carrier has looked to modernize and upgrade its mainline and regional services, adding a mixture of next-generation Boeing and Airbus narrowbodies, including the A220, A320neo, and 737 MAX 10. In accordance with ch-aviation, several of its oldest A320-200 airframes are set to be retired later this yr in favor of the A220 and A321neo, while its 757 and 717 fleets will likely be pulled from service in 2025 and 2027, respectively. As of November 2023, the carrier holds outstanding orders for 66 A220-300s, 119 A321neo, and 100 737 MAX 10.
Moving into 2024, Delta Air Lines is about to overhaul much of its regional in-flight offerings to modernize its operations. During Q2 2024, the carrier will begin to put in in-flight WiFi, provided by Hughes Network Systems, to over 400 aircraft, including its 717s and regional aircraft. The WiFi solution is currently available on Delta Air Lines’ mainline A320, 737, and widebody fleets.
These Are The Three Oldest Aircraft In Delta Air Lines’ Fleet
Delta Air Lines operates one among the oldest fleets within the industry, with many jets having served with the carrier for over 30 years.
Have you ever flown on one among Delta Connection’s CRJ200 services? What was your experience? Tell us within the comments.