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
- Insurance: $35,000–$48,000/year for $18,000,000–$22,000,000 hull
- Hangar: $32,000–$42,000/year (regional jet facility)
- Annual inspection: $32,000–$42,000 labor (90-seat complexity)
- Crew training/proficiency: $10,000–$14,000/year
Variable Costs (per flight hour)
- Jet-A fuel: 300 gal/hr × $5.50/gal = ~$1,650/hour
- Oil and lubricants: $18–$24/hour
- Engine reserves: $23–$30/hour ($140K per engine ÷ 6,000 TBO × 2)
- APU maintenance: $16–$22/hour
- Avionics/systems: $120–$150/hour
- Landing/handling fees: $150–$300/landing
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
- CF34: 6,000 hours TBO
- Overhaul cost: $155,000–$190,000 per engine
- Combined reserve: $345,000 ÷ 6,000 = $57.50/hour
- Reliability: Proven commercial turbofan
Regional Jet Maintenance
- APU maintenance: $8,000–$12,000/year
- Air conditioning: $6,000–$10,000/year
- Avionics updates: $4,000–$8,000/year
- Pressurization systems: $5,000–$8,000/year
- Budget: $150–$200/hour for all maintenance
Insurance & Storage
Regional Jet Insurance
- $18,000,000 hull: $35,000–$42,000/year
- $22,000,000 hull: $44,000–$52,000/year
- Charter operations: +40–60% premium
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
- Purchase price: $12,000,000–$18,000,000
- Down payment: 15–20%
- Loan amount: $10,000,000–$16,000,000
- Term: 10–15 years
- APR: 5.75–7.0% (2025)
- Monthly payment: $195,000–$320,000
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
- vs. Embraer E190: CRJ900 90 seats; E190 98 seats. Similar economics
- vs. Airbus A220: A220 larger and more modern; CRJ900 mature platform
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Sources: Bombardier Aircraft Specs | AOPA Owner Reports | FAA TCDS