American Airlines is making a major comeback with one of the most uncomfortable regional jets.
As originally observed in Cirium timetables and then verified by an airline representative, the Fort Worth-based carrier will resume using the 50-seat Bombardier CRJ-200 on a few regional routes starting in April 2023.
As you can see in the table and map below, the plan calls for American to use the CRJ-200 on the following 10 flights out of Chicago.
Despite the fact that American is initially only planning 10 flights, as more of these aircraft are added to the airline's American Eagle fleet, anticipate seeing a rise in that number.
The CRJ-200 has just 50 economy seats, making it one of the most crowded flights in the sky.
Taller passengers must watch their heads when moving up and down the aisle because the overhead bins are barely big enough for a backpack.
There aren't many amenities and the seating is tightly packed in a 2-2 layout.
You shouldn't count on being able to use Wi-Fi or charge your electronics while in the air, other than a little bathroom.
There is no first-class cabin, and the exit row and bulkhead economy seats are not the most comfortable.
Nevertheless, the average length of each of American's new CRJ-200 routes is only about 225 miles.
According to Cerium schedules, SkyWest Airlines, an American subsidiary, stopped using the CRJ-200 for American Eagle in June 2020.
In light of the nationwide pilot shortage, American's decision to bring back the CRJ-200 is a calculated one to ensure that it can continue to provide a strong regional network.
When the partnership with Air Wisconsin was first announced, Derek Kerr, American's chief financial officer, wrote in an internal memo, "American has been — and will continue to be — aggressive in leading the industry in tackling this challenge, but it will take some time before the issue is resolved.
The carrier previously stated in August that it would work together with small airline Air Wisconsin once more to offer CRJ-200 service out of its hub in Chicago.
Up to 60 CRJ-200s are covered by American's new capacity purchase agreement (as it is known in the industry) with Air Wisconsin, with the possibility of later adding more aircraft, including the larger CRJ-700, if demand warranted.
The collaboration between American Eagle and Air Wisconsin is not new.
Before operating as American Eagle from October 2015 to February 2018, when US Airways and American Airlines operations were consolidated, this regional subsidiary operated as US Airways Express from August 2005 to October 2015.
With a concentration on short routes out of O'Hare and Dulles International Airport, Air Wisconsin began operating exclusively for United Express in March 2018. (IAD).
Air Wisconsin's exclusive deal with United will come to an end early in the next year as a result of the switch to American.
While United is adding more 50-seat regional jets to its fleet, American is doing the exact opposite.
As part of its United Next expansion strategy, which calls for larger narrow-body aircraft with first-class cabins on domestic routes, the Chicago-based carrier intends to phase out all 50-seat operations.
10 CRJ-200 routes launched by Americans.
• O'Hare International Airport (ORD) — Appleton International Airport (ATW).
• ORD — Bishop International Airport (FNT).
• ORD — Dayton International Airport (DAY).
• ORD — Eastern Iowa Airport (CID).
• ORD — Eppley Airfield/Omaha Airport (OMA).
• ORD — Huntsville International Airport (HSV).
• ORD — Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport (AZO).
• ORD — Manhattan Regional Airport (MHK).
• ORD — Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE).
• ORD — Waterloo Regional Airport (ALO).
FACEBOOK