In this month’s ‘Smart: Tried and Tested’ we’re taking a look at the Bombardier CRJ-200 regional jet, renowned for its efficiency, reliability, and versatility. A regional jet is a compact, twin-engine aircraft built for short to medium-haul routes, usually carrying fewer than 100 passengers. It sits perfectly between smaller private jets and larger commercial jets. Designed to link lesser-known cities and underserved communities, these jets provide an economical solution where larger aircraft are not practical. Operated by regional carriers or subsidiaries of major airlines, they play a vital role for air charter brokers.
The Bombardier CRJ-200 made its maiden flight on 13 November 1994, three years after its predecessor, the CJ100, first entered the skies. It is powered by a pair of General Electric (GE) CF34-3B1 turbofan engines, each delivering 8,7290 pounds of thrust. These engines boast a proven track record, delivering 99.99% dispatch reliability, reduced maintenance costs, and consistently high level of performance even in challenging conditions such as hot climates and high-altitude take-offs. These engines help the aircraft reach a cruise speed of around 488 knots (561 mph / 903 km/h) and climb effortlessly to its maximum operating altitude of 41,000 feet.
Bombardier CRJ-200 is typically designed to carry up to 50 passengers, featuring a 2-2 seating configuration, and can fly non-stop for up to four hours, with a range of 1,700 nautical miles (1,956 miles / 3.148 km), such as Albiana to Warsaw, a charter we arranged on this aircraft very recently.
The overall length of the plane is 87 ft 10 in (26.8 m), and it is 20 ft 5 in (6.2 m) tall. The height inside the cabin is 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m), with a width of 8 ft 3 in (2.53 m), and the wingspan is 69 ft 6 in (21.2 m).
The Bombardier CRJ-200 may be a smaller regional jet, but its cabin offers a comfortable and practical flying experience. With a 2-2 seating layout, there are no middle seats, ensuring every passenger enjoys either a window or aisle spot. The rear-mounted engines keep the cabin quieter, while the simple, effective design makes boarding and moving around easy. The Bombardier CRJ200 guarantees a healthier cabin environment by supplying 100% fresh air, continuously replacing used air with clean air drawn directly from outside the aircraft. Overhead bins provide space for small carry-ons, and for short-haul journeys of one to two hours, the cabin strikes the right balance between comfort and functionality.
Matt Feldon, Head of Charter, said: “The CRJ-200 is an ideal choice for our football team charters, offering just the right capacity to accommodate the squad and staff comfortably. It also works perfectly for smaller MICE groups, combining efficiency with a smooth and dependable travel experience. For a regional aircraft it has a very strong range, enabling us to fly larger groups further, and the 2-2 configuration makes it vastly different to other jets with an offset aisle.”
For all aircraft charter enquiries, contact us via sales@smart-aviation.co.uk or call +441293 551244
