The True Operating Cost of Bombardier CRJ700
The Bombardier CRJ700 is a proven regional jet offering 76-seat capacity, excellent efficiency, and reliability. Plan for $265,000–$345,000 annually in operating costs at 100 flight hours, or $2,650–$3,450 per hour. The CRJ700 dominates regional markets worldwide.
Quick Specs: Bombardier CRJ700
| Specification | CRJ700 |
|---|---|
| Engines | 2 × General Electric CF34-8C5 (9,220 lbf thrust each) |
| Fuel Burn | 250–280 gal/hr cruise |
| Cruise Speed | 450–490 mph |
| Service Ceiling | 43,000 ft |
| Useful Load | 18,000–20,000 lbs |
| Seats | 76 |
| Range | 2,000–2,500 nm |
TL;DR: Bombardier CRJ700 Annual Operating Cost Summary
- Fixed costs: $95,000–$130,000/year (insurance $45,000–$65,000, hangar $35,000–$45,000, annuals $10,000–$15,000, crew)
- Variable costs at 100 hours: $170,000–$215,000/year (Jet-A fuel, oils, engine reserves)
- Total at 100 hours: $265,000–$345,000/year (~$2,650–$3,450/hour)
- Finance an $18,000,000 CRJ700: Add $263,000/month ($3,156,000/year) at 6.5% over 10 years
- At 50 hours: ~$180,000–$240,000/year (~$3,600–$4,800/hour)
- At 200 hours: ~$435,000–$560,000/year (~$2,175–$2,800/hour)
Regional Jet Operating Costs
Fixed Costs
- Insurance: $45,000–$65,000/year for $15M–$21M hull
- Hangar: $35,000–$45,000/year (regional facility)
- Annual inspection: $10,000–$15,000 labor
- Crew training: $5,000–$10,000/year
Variable Costs (per flight hour)
- Jet-A fuel: 265 gal/hr × $5.50/gal = ~$1,457/hour
- Oil and lubricants: $20–$30/hour
- Engine reserves: $30–$36/hour ($165K per engine ÷ 5,000 TBO × 2)
- Avionics/systems: $120–$180/hour
- Landing fees: $150–$400/landing
- Maintenance: $150–$220/hour
Jet Fuel & Operating Economics
Fuel Cost by Hours
| Annual Hours | Gallons Jet-A | Cost @ $5.50/gal | $/Hour |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | 13,250 | $72,875 | $1,457 |
| 100 | 26,500 | $145,750 | $1,457 |
| 150 | 39,750 | $218,625 | $1,457 |
| 200 | 53,000 | $291,500 | $1,457 |
Maintenance & Engine Reserves
General Electric CF34-8C5 Engines
- CF34-8C5: 5,000 hours TBO
- Overhaul cost: $165,000–$195,000 per engine
- Combined reserve: $360,000 ÷ 5,000 = $72/hour
- Reliability: Proven turbofan with excellent support
Regional Jet Maintenance
- Engine system checks: $12,000–$18,000/year
- Avionics updates: $8,000–$12,000/year
- Pressurization/environmental: $6,000–$10,000/year
- Landing gear service: $4,000–$7,000/year
- Budget: $210–$280/hour for all maintenance
Insurance & Storage
Regional Insurance
- $15,000,000 hull: $45,000–$55,000/year
- $21,000,000 hull: $60,000–$75,000/year
- Commercial operations: +10–20% premium
Storage Costs
| Option | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Regional Hangar | $2,900–$3,800 | $34,800–$45,600 |
| Tie-Down | $600–$1,000 | $7,200–$12,000 |
Annual Ownership Scenarios
Operating Cost (Not Financed)
| Hours/Year | Fixed | Variable | Total | $/Hour |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | $112,500 | $120,000 | $232,500 | $4,650 |
| 100 | $112,500 | $240,000 | $352,500 | $3,525 |
| 200 | $112,500 | $480,000 | $592,500 | $2,962 |
Total Cost of Ownership (With Financing)
Assume $18,000,000 Bombardier CRJ700, 6.5% APR, 10 years = $3,156,000/year.
| Hours/Year | Operating | Finance | Total | $/Hour |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | $352,500 | $3,156,000 | $3,508,500 | $35,085 |
| 200 | $592,500 | $3,156,000 | $3,748,500 | $18,742 |
Financing the Bombardier CRJ700
- Purchase price: $15,000,000–$25,000,000
- Down payment: 15–20%
- Loan amount: $12,500,000–$21,000,000
- Term: 10–15 years
- APR: 5.75–7.0% (2025)
- Monthly payment: $220,000–$550,000
Lender Requirements: 700+ credit, airline experience, $1,000,000+ net worth, detailed flight plan, hull insurance $15M+. Lenders like JakenAviation support regional jet financing.
Bombardier CRJ700 vs. Competitors
- vs. Embraer E190: CRJ700 70-seat; E190 98-seat larger
- vs. Airbus A220: CRJ700 older; A220 newer technology
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Sources: Bombardier Aircraft Specs | AOPA Owner Reports | FAA TCDS