Bombardier CRJ (Canadair Regional Jet) commercial regional jet family was introduced in 1992 with the entry into service of the first CRJ100 aircraft. The twin-engine, single aisle airplane family has been improved all since its inception. Following the success of the CRJ100, Bombardier introduced the CRJ200 with improved engines in 1996, the CRJ700 in 2001 and the newest CRJ900 in 2003. Every model has a high degree of commonality with the rest of the aircraft family lowering spare parts, ground support equipment, maintenance programs and aircrew training costs. The latest addition to this successful family, is an enhanced CRJ900 announced in March 2005 which incorporates structural, aerodynamic and system changes for improved airfield performance.
Bombardier CRJ900 was developed from the CRJ700 to compete in the 86- to 90-seat regional jet segment. It is the longest CRJ aircraft produced by Bombardier to date and features an strengthened wing with a redesigned winglet. As well as the CRJ700, the CRJ900 is powered by two General Electric CF34-8C5 turbofan engines that give the aircraft a cruise speed of Mach 0.83 and range of up to 1,976 nautical miles (nm). As of 2005, the production engine for new build CRJ900s is the CF34-8C5B1 model. The spacious cabin of the larger CRJ900 also offers more room for passenger baggage.
The Bombardier CRJ900 is available in standard, Extended Range (ER) and Long Range (LR) versions with maximum takeoff weights of 80,500, 82,500, and 84,500 pounds carrying between 86 and 90 passengers. These aircraft come in a single class layout cabin. The aerodynamics changes introduced in the CRJ900 are meant to match the airfield performance of CRJ200 and CRJ700 models.
In June 2000, GECAS placed an order for 15 CRJ200s, 25 CRJ700s and 10 CRJ900s valued at $1.3 billion including options for 100 additional aircraft which will increase the final purchase order value to $3.9 billion. The 50 firm order aircraft were scheduled for delivery between 2002 and 2006. In July 2000, Brit Air placed an order for four CRJ900s valued at $116 million plus additional eight airplanes as option.
In June 2001, Deutsche Structured Finance (DSF) ordered 30 CRJ700s and 20 CRJ900s plus 30 aircraft options. The 50 firm order aircraft were valued at $1.5 billion.
Austria-based carrier Styrian Spirit purchased one CRJ900 jetliner from Bombardier on 6 October 2005. The aircraft was set to be delivered in a 88-seat configuration and equipped with the Enhanced Performance Package (EPP).
Lufthansa signed a contract with Bombardier for 12 CRJ900 jetliners on December 8, 2005. The aircraft were intended for the regional airline network operated by Lufthansa. The value of the contract and delivery schedule were not disclosed.
On 20 January 2006, Istanbul-based low-cost carrier Atlasjet placed an order for three 90-seat Bombardier CRJ900 jetliners plus options on two additional aircraft. The firm order airplanes were valued at $107 million.
On May 3, 2006, Bombardier Aerospace announced that Arik Air of Lagos, Nigeria, had exercised an option for two CRJ900 regional jets. The two aircraft were valued at $69 million.
On May 15, 2006, Rome-based Air One ordered six Bombardier CRJ900 jetliners and took options on four additional aircraft. The firm order aircraft capable of carrying up to 90 passengers each were valued at $215 million.
On 5 October 2006, Bombardier Aerospace announced that US carrier Northwest Airlines had placed an order for 36 CRJ900 jetliners and took options on an additional 96. The firm order aircraft were valued at $1.35 billion or $5.18 billion including all options. The CRJ900 were set to be delivered in a two-class cabin layout with 12 First class seats and 64 Economy class seats.
Austria / 1 
Estonia / 13 
France
Germany
Iraq / 10 
Italy / 14 
Ordered by Air One and My Air, formerly My Way Airlines, (4)
Libya / 5 
Mexico / 2 
Nigeria / 4 
CRJ900 purchased by Arik Air.
Russia / 6 
Slovenia / 4 
Spain
Turkey / 3 
United States of America
Aircraft ordered by Delta Airlines (44); Mesa Air Group (38); SkyWest (4 CRJ900 NextGen jets)
Uruguay / 7