The True Operating Cost of Bombardier CRJ900

The Bombardier CRJ900 is the industry-leading regional jet offering 90-seat capacity, excellent fuel efficiency, and proven reliability. Plan for $280,000–$340,000 annually in operating costs at 100 flight hours, or $2,800–$3,400 per hour. The CRJ900 dominates regional markets with exceptional operating economics and strong charter potential.

Quick Specs: Bombardier CRJ900

Specification CRJ900
Engines 2 × General Electric CF34 (9,220 lbf thrust each)
Fuel Burn 280–320 gal/hr cruise
Cruise Speed 490–520 mph
Service Ceiling 43,000 ft
Useful Load 26,000–28,000 lbs
Seats 90
Range 2,100–2,400 nm

TL;DR: Bombardier CRJ900 Annual Operating Cost Summary

  • Fixed costs: $140,000–$180,000/year (insurance $35,000–$48,000, hangar $32,000–$42,000, annuals $32,000–$42,000, crew training)
  • Variable costs at 100 hours: $140,000–$160,000/year (Jet-A fuel, oils, engine reserves)
  • Total at 100 hours: $280,000–$340,000/year (~$2,800–$3,400/hour)
  • Finance a $15,000,000 CRJ900: Add $221,500/month ($2,658,000/year) at 6.5% over 10 years
  • At 50 hours: ~$210,000–$260,000/year (~$4,200–$5,200/hour)
  • At 200 hours: ~$420,000–$520,000/year (~$2,100–$2,600/hour)

Regional Jet Operating Costs

Fixed Costs

Variable Costs (per flight hour)

Jet Fuel & Operating Economics

Fuel Cost by Hours

Annual Hours Gallons Jet-A Cost @ $5.50/gal $/Hour
50 15,000 $82,500 $1,650
100 30,000 $165,000 $1,650
150 45,000 $247,500 $1,650
200 60,000 $330,000 $1,650

Maintenance & Engine Reserves

General Electric CF34 Engines

Regional Jet Maintenance

Insurance & Storage

Regional Jet Insurance

Storage Costs

Option Monthly Annual
Regional Jet Hangar $2,700–$3,500 $32,000–$42,000
Tie-Down $800–$1,200 $9,600–$14,400

Annual Ownership Scenarios

Operating Cost (Not Financed)

Hours/Year Fixed Variable Total $/Hour
50 $160,000 $137,500 $297,500 $5,950
100 $160,000 $275,000 $435,000 $4,350
200 $160,000 $550,000 $710,000 $3,550

Total Cost of Ownership (With Financing)

Assume $15,000,000 CRJ900, 6.5% APR, 10 years = $2,658,000/year debt service.

Hours/Year Operating Finance Total $/Hour
100 $435,000 $2,658,000 $3,093,000 $30,930
200 $710,000 $2,658,000 $3,368,000 $16,840

Financing the Bombardier CRJ900

Lender Requirements: 650+ credit, commercial airline experience, $2,000,000+ annual revenue, business plan, hull insurance $18M+. Lenders like JakenAviation support regional jet financing for charter and commercial operators.

Bombardier CRJ900 vs. Competitors

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Sources: Bombardier Aircraft Specs | AOPA Owner Reports | FAA TCDS