First Look: Inside Delta Connection’s CRJ-550

The SkyWest-operated aircraft features a snack bar and more baggage storage.

A Delta Connection CRJ-700 aircraft (Photo: Shutterstock)

[ Planes ]October 18, 2024 2:13 pm ET

By Ryan Ewing

Earlier this year, regional carrier SkyWest announced plans to operate 19 CRJ-550 aircraft under the Delta Connection brand. The move to add these aircraft follows a mandate by the Atlanta-based carrier requiring all regional routes to be flown with two-class aircraft.

Delta is the second carrier to include the CRJ-550 in its regional portfolio; United debuted the type in 2019. The aircraft are operated by GoJet, though SkyWest also plans to fly CRJ-550s for United Express beginning later this year.

SkyWest began operating the CRJ-550 for Delta Connection in July. Since then, the carrier has converted five aircraft into the 50-seat configuration with more on the way, per planespotters.net.

The Delta Connection CRJ-550 fleet operates from the airline’s hubs in Salt Lake City, Detroit, and Minneapolis/St Paul, mostly to smaller Essential Air Service (EAS) markets.

Onboard Amenities

While United proudly showcased the CRJ-550 during its introduction five years ago, Delta and SkyWest have been far quieter. The United Express aircraft features various amenities, including an onboard snack bar and additional baggage storage closets.

The same appears true for the SkyWest aircraft, at least according to recent social media posts. Like United, the Delta Connection/SkyWest jets feature 50 seats, including 10 in first class and 40 in economy.

CRJ 550
byu/_Kloudz__ indelta

Typical CRJ-700s can accommodate around 70 passengers, depending on the airline. The CRJ-550 uses the CRJ-700 airframe, making for a roomier onboard experience.

Delta Connection’s CRJ-550s also appear to feature the snack bar and closet and are branded with the carrier’s typical seat designs.

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Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.

Follow Ryan

Author

Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.
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