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.
CRJ 550
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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.
