Boeing 787-9 vs. Bombardier CRJ-900

The Boeing 787-9 is an extended variant of the 787 Dreamliner series, a family of wide-body, twin-engine jet airliners known for their fuel efficiency and range capabilities. First flown in 2013, the 787-9 was developed to provide additional seating capacity and range compared to its predecessor, the 787-8. This model caters to the needs of airlines for longer routes and increased passenger demand. Out of the 3 787 variants, the -9 is by far the best selling type. As of December 2023, there were 1113 Boeing 787s in airline service, comprising of 397 787-8s, 619 787-9s and 97 787-10s.

The 787-9 spans 62.8 meters (206.1 feet) in length, and 60.1 meters (197.2 feet) in wingspan. The aircraft's use of composite materials, making up a significant portion of its construction, contributes to its lighter weight and structural efficiency, leading to lower fuel consumption and reduced operational costs. Powered by two engine options, either the General Electric GEnx or the Rolls-Royce Trent 1000, the 787-9 delivers a total maximum thrust of 640.0 kN (142,000 lbf). These engines, combined with the aircraft's aerodynamic design, allow it to achieve a range of approximately 14,140 kilometers (7,635 nautical miles). This extended range makes the 787-9 suitable for a variety of long-haul international routes - such as Singapore to San Francisco, Auckland to New York, and Perth to London. These extreme long haul routes can have flight times north of 16 hours.

The aircraft typically accommodates around 290 passengers in a three-class configuration. The cabin features larger windows, higher humidity, and improved air pressure levels compared to traditional airliners. In the commercial aviation market, the Boeing 787-9 competes with other long-range wide-body aircraft such as Airbus' A350-900. Its introduction provided airlines with an option that blends efficiency, capacity, and range, making it a popular choice for various long-haul routes. Airlines that have incorporated the Boeing 787-9 into their fleets include All Nippon Airways, American Airlines, United Airlines, and Air New Zealand. These carriers utilize the aircraft's capabilities to efficiently serve a mix of high-demand routes, taking advantage of its operational efficiency and passenger appeal.

In summary, the Boeing 787-9 stands as a significant development in the Dreamliner series, offering enhanced capabilities in terms of passenger capacity and range. Its design and technological advancements represent an evolution in long-haul air travel, providing airlines with a versatile and efficient aircraft for their long-range operations.

The Bombardier CRJ-900, a member of the Canadair Regional Jet series, is a narrow-body regional jet designed for efficient short to medium-haul air travel. First entering service in 2001, the CRJ-900 was developed as an extended version of the CRJ-700, offering greater passenger capacity and slightly longer range capabilities. The -900 was the most popular CRJ variant, with over 487 deliveries throughout its production.

With an overall length of 36.2 meters (118.8 feet) and a wingspan of 24.9 meters (81.7 feet), the CRJ-900 is larger than its predecessor, enabling it to accommodate more passengers. Designed primarily for regional airline operations, the CRJ-900's dimensions allow it to operate effectively in smaller airports, which is a key requirement for regional air travel. Powered by two rear-mounted GE CF34 engines, the CRJ-900 delivers a total maximum thrust of 129.0 kN (29,000 lbf), and has a range of 2,871 kilometers (1,550 nautical miles). The aircraft's operational efficiency and range make it a versatile choice for airlines looking to connect smaller cities and towns with major airline hubs.

The cabin of the CRJ-900 is configured to seat around 81 passengers in a standard layout, with a maximum capacity of 90 passengers in a higher-density arrangement. In the regional aircraft market, the Bombardier CRJ-900 competes with other regional jets such as the Embraer E175. Airlines that operate the CRJ-900 include American Eagle, Delta Connection, and Lufthansa CityLine. These carriers utilize the CRJ-900's strengths in serving regional networks, benefiting from its ability to efficiently connect smaller airports with larger travel hubs. The aircraft's role in regional aviation is characterized by its adaptability to varying route structures and its capacity to offer a comfortable travel experience on short to medium-haul flights.

The Bombardier CRJ-900's production and operational history highlight its importance in the regional jet market. Its design and capabilities align with the needs of regional airlines, providing a practical and efficient solution for connecting communities and fostering accessibility to air travel across regional networks. The last CRJ-900 to ever be built was delivered in 2021 to SkyWest Airlines.