Delta Expands CRJ-550 Operations to a Third Hub

Delta is adding more CRJ-500 flights to its network, with the SkyWest-operated aircraft now flying out of Delta’s hub at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport.

Expanding CRJ-550 Operations

Over the last few months, Delta Air Lines has introduced the Bombardier CRJ-500 on flights out of its hubs at Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) and Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP). The aircraft are operated by SkyWest Airlines under the Delta Connection brand.

Detroit will be the airline’s third CRJ-500 hub. Starting this month, Delta is introducing the aircraft type on flights to three small Michigan airports from Detroit: Alpena, Iron Mountain, and Sault Ste. Marie. All three routes are subsidized through the Essential Air Service (EAS) program.

SkyWest’s Delta-branded CRJ-550s already fly from Delta’s Salt Lake City hub to destinations including Butte, Mont., Casper, Wyo., and West Yellowstone, Mont. Routes from Minneapolis include International Falls, Minn. and Bemidji, Minn.

As reported by AeroRoutes, Delta will be adding additional CRJ-500 routes out of its Detroit and Minneapolis/St. Paul hubs starting on November 1, 2024:

• Detroit – Delta County Airport (Escanaba, Mich.)
• Detroit – Pellston Regional Airport, Mich.
• Minneapolis/St. Paul – Aberdeen Regional Airport, S.D.
• Minneapolis/St. Paul – Delta County Airport (Escanaba, Mich.)
• Minneapolis/St. Paul – Range Regional Airport (Hibbing/Chisolm, Minn.)
• Minneapolis/St. Paul – Rhinelander–Oneida County Airport, Wis.

In January of 2025, the carrier will also add CRJ-550 flights on the following routes:

• Detroit – Marquette Sawyer Regional Airport, Mich.
• Minneapolis/St. Paul – Marquette Sawyer Regional Airport, Mich.
• Minneapolis/St. Paul – Williston Basin International Airport, N.D.

A Delta Connection CRJ-200 in Iron Mountain, Mich. Flights to this Essential Air Service (EAS) Community have are now operated by the CRJ-550. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Joey Gerardi)

Growing CRJ-550 Fleet

The CRJ-550 is a modified version of the CRJ-700 with a configuration of 10 seats in first class and 40 seats in economy class for a total of 50 seats. SkyWest began operating CRJ-550s for Delta in July and expects to convert 19 CRJ-700s to the 50-seat setup.

According to data from Planespotters.net, there are currently five SkyWest CRJ-500s operating for Delta: N656CA, N707EV, N708EV, N709EV, N710EV. The aircraft type is largely being deployed on routes previously operated by the CRJ-200.

Delta retired the CRJ-200 in late 2023 before returning one aircraft to service this summer. That aircraft – N936EV – was flown back to Tucson International Airport for storage on September 28.

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Andrew Chen

Andrew is a lifelong lover of aviation and travel. He has flown all over the world and is fascinated by the workings of the air travel industry. As a private pilot and glider pilot who has worked with airlines, airports and other industry stakeholders, he is always excited to share his passion for aviation with others. In addition to being a writer, he also hosts Flying Smarter, an educational travel podcast that explores the complex world of air travel to help listeners become better-informed and savvier travelers.

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