Engineering designation: CL-600-2D24

TYPE: Regional jet airliner.

PROGRAMME: Announced October 1999; stretched derivative of CRJ700; wind tunnel testing began November 1999; partner/supplier selection finalised second quarter 2000; interior mockup completed March 2000; formal launch at Farnborough International Air Show 24 July 2000; prototype, modified from CRJ700 prototype C-FRJX, with fuselage plugs but retaining CRJ700 wings, landing gear and engines, first flown 21 February 2001; public debut at Paris Air Show 14 June 2001; first production aircraft, c/n 15001/C-GRNH, first flown 20 October 2001; Transport Canada certification achieved 9 September 2002, followed by FAA approval 25 October 2002 and JAA certification 23 December 2002; first customer delivery (c/n 15002) to Mesa Air on 3 February 2003.
In December 2002 Bombardier signed a tentative agreement with China Aviation Industry Corporation I (AVIC I) that lead to final assembly of the CRJ700 and CRJ900 by Shanghai Aviation Industrial Corporation.

CURRENT VERSIONS: 900: Standard version.
900ER: Extended-range version.
900ER European: As 900ER but with maximum T-O weight limited to 36,995 kg (81,560 lb) to minimise weight-related charges when operating in European airspace.
900R: Long-range version.
900LR European: As 900LR but with maximum T-O weight limited to 37,995 kg (83,764 lb).

CUSTOMERS: Firm orders for 25 by 31 March 2003, from Mesa Air (25). Estimated market for 800 aircraft in CRJ900 class over 20-year period.

COSTS: Development cost C$200 million; unit cost C$30 million (2002).

DESIGN FEATURES: Compared to CRJ700, has fuselage stretched - by means of 2.29 m (7 ft 6 in) plug forward of centre-section and 1.57 m (5 ft 2 in) plug aft of centre-section - to accommodate 86 to 90 passengers in four-abreast configuration with fore and aft lavatories; 5 to 10 per cent higher thrust engines; strengthened main landing gear with upgraded wheels and brakes; strengthened wing; two additional overwing emergency exits; increased volume in forward underfloor baggage hold, and an additional underfloor baggage door and aft service door on starboard side. Common crew qualification with CRJ200/700 series.

STRUCTURE: Programme partners as for CRJ700. Final assembly and completion by Bombardier at new CRJ700/900 facility at Montréal-Mirabel Airport.

LANDING GEAR: As for CRJ700.

POWER PLANT: Two General Electric CF34-8C5 turbofans. Engine rating 58.4 kN (13,123 lb st) or 63.4 kN (14,255 lb st) with automatic power reserve, flat rated to ISA +15°C. Fuel capacity 10,989 litres (2,903 US gallons; 2,417 Imp gallons).

ACCOMMODATION: Standard dual-class accommodation for 86 passengers in four-abreast configuration at 79 cm (31 in) seat pitch with fore and aft lavatories and forward galley; alternative configurations include high density with accommodation for 90 passengers at 79 cm (31 in) seat pitch, dual-class with 15 business class seats three-abreast at 86 cm (34 in) seat pitch in forward section and 60 economy class four-abreast at 79 cm (31 in) seat pitch at rear, and dual class with 55 business class seats in four-abreast configuration at 84 cm (33 in) seat pitch in forward section and 24 economy class at 79 cm (31 in) seat pitch at rear. Standard additional floor beam facilitates offset seat rail for three-abreast seating throughout cabin.

SYSTEMS: Honeywell RE220 APU.

AVIONICS: As for CRJ700.