PSA Gets First ‘Enhanced’ CRJ

Bombardier Aerospace delivered the first “enhanced” CRJ900 to American Airlines regional subsidiary PSA Airlines on June 5. Based in Dayton, Ohio, PSA plans to start operating the jet under the American Eagle brand “later this summer.” Formerly a US Airways Express subsidiary, it now flies 35 CRJ200s and 14 CRJ700s primarily out of Charlotte, Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia.

Announced last December, American’s order for 30 CRJ900s–all destined for PSA–includes options on another 40 of the regional jets. Bombardier says the new variant burns 5.5 percent less fuel than earlier-generation CRJ900s.

Before the June 5 delivery ceremony, American unveiled the airplane to AA and PSA employees at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and in Dayton. Senior executives and employees of American, PSA, Bombardier and major CRJ suppliers attended the delivery ceremony at Bombardier’s factory in Mirabel, Quebec.