Regional Stalwart May Be Unloved By Many, But It's Still A Workhorse

If a list were compiled asking passengers to rate their preference on what airliners they most enjoy flying on... odds are the diminutive Bombardier (nee Canadair) CRJ200 would not rank very close to the top.

Offering seating for as many as 50 passengers, the type remains popular among several regional operators who appreciate its relatively inexpensive operating costs compared to larger jets. Pilots also speak well of the aircraft's sprightly performance (at least with light loads)... but passengers frequently complain about the aircraft's tight four-across seating, the ventilation ducts running alongside the floor -- cutting into already skimpy legroom for outboard seats -- and windows seemingly positioned to offer the headrests of the seats in front of you a spectacular view.

Nevertheless, the type remains a popular workhorse for many airlines... including Air Wisconsin, which operates 70 CRJ200-LR and -ER aircraft. Last week, the carrier announced it recently completed its 1,000,000th revenue flight on the CRJ200. This is the first aircraft type Air Wisconsin has operated to reach this 1,000,000 mark since the company first began service in 1965.

When the CRJ200 entered service in February 1999, Air Wisconsin averaged 228 departures per day and just over 83,000 per year. Today, with its fleet of 70 CRJ200 aircraft, the company has significantly increased that number to nearly 500 revenue flights per day and 165,000 per year. This milestone also means that Air Wisconsin has now provided service to more than 36 million passengers on the CRJ200.

"Reaching this milestone demonstrates the commitment and dedication of the Air Wisconsin team," said Air Wisconsin President and CEO Jim Rankin. "We are pleased to reach this achievement while providing excellent service to our customers and our partner, US Airways."

Air Wisconsin, the largest privately held regional airline in the United States, has operated its entire fleet of 70 Canadair Regional Jets as US Airways Express since establishing a partnership with US Airways in 2005. The airline also performs ground-handling services for United Express and Northwest Airlines at over 30 locations throughout the country, including Washington Dulles (IAD).

FMI: www.airwis.com, www.crj700.com/CRJ/en/home_crj.jsp?langId=en&crjId=200