We sat down with Matt Purton, Aviation Solutions Director at Air Charter Service to discuss two rival aircraft which, when introduced, changed the face of commercial aviation.
Very Important Planes: Bombardier CRJ-200 and Embraer ERJ-145
We sat down with Matt Purton, Aviation Solutions Director at Air Charter Service to discuss two rival aircraft which, when introduced, changed the face of commercial aviation.
There have been few rivalries in aviation so fierce as that between the Bombardier CRJ-200 and the Embraer ERJ-145. Both launched in the 1990s, these two iconoclasts of aviation carved themselves a whole new market segment on introduction, transforming major airline hub-and-spoke operations, before finding a new life of favour as a stalwart of charter aircraft.
The war for pan-American aircraft manufacturer supremacy found a battle in the CRJ-200 and the ERJ-145, and, although the aircraft have often been pitted against each other, their shared utility and application in practice is what positions them both as exemplars in their category.
Factsheet
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Bombardier CRJ-200 |
Embraer ERJ-145 |
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|
Passenger Capacity |
Seats 50 passengers in a 2-2 configuration |
Seats 50 passengers in a 2-1 configuration |
|
Range |
Approx. 1,700 nautical miles (3,148 km) |
Approx. 1,550 nautical miles (2,873 km) The ERJ-145XR variant can fly up to 2,000 nautical miles (3,700 km) |
|
Fuel |
Max. fuel capacity of 6,489 kg (14,305 lb) |
Max. fuel capacity of 5,973 kg (13,168 lb). The ERJ-145 is more fuel-efficient, flying further on less fuel. |
|
Operational altitude |
Can fly up to 41,000 ft |
Can fly up to 37,000 ft |
|
Passenger comfort |
2-2 seating offers a balanced distribution of passengers |
2-1 seating configuration offers more personal space and comfort |
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Reasonable legroom and seat size |
Reasonable legroom and seat size |
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Relatively-spacious cabin, with a height of 6 ft 1 in |
Relatively-spacious cabin, with a height of 6 ft |
Both the Bombardier CRJ-200 and the Embraer ERJ-145 have been pivotal in transforming regional air travel, which, prior to their introduction, revolved mainly around slower propeller-driven aircraft ferrying to and from select regional business hubs. They forged a new regional aviation market, enabling airlines to offer more frequent, faster and cost-effective flights on shorter routes, both in connecting smaller cities to major hubs, and enabling passengers to bypass these hubs if required to connect smaller communities directly, in turn, enhancing overall network efficiency.
The ERJ-145’s innovative 2-1 seating configuration and the CRJ-200’s robust performance and impressive range made them instant successes amongst regional carriers. Their debut also heralded a marked shift towards more versatile and economical jet operations, allowing airlines to serve markets which were previously unviable with larger jets. Their lasting impact on the industry as a whole is still seen today – their widespread adoption and continued use in regional aviation, alongside their utility in group charter has helped cement their status as industry workhorses, and shapers of the landscape of modern aviation.
Despite their 30-year tenure, both models are still widely sought after, and benefit from a good feedstock for all markets. Both the ERJ-145 and the CRJ-200 continue to hold places as charter favourites for professional sports teams, musicians and businesses, and are regularly chartered by ACS clients around the world in every region and every environment, making them truly deserving of their regard as the best in their category.
Whether you require services involving charter, lease, or outright purchase, ACS, and ACS Aviation Solutions, can assist you with your search; contact us today to discuss your aviation requirements.