1. The CRJ200 is a jet-propelled, narrow-body regional airliner for 50 passengers. The first CRJ200 was taken into commercial use in 1996, and the production continued until 2006. At Helsinki Airport, Belavia Belarusian Airlines operates the Bombardier CRJ200 as part of their fleet.
2. CRJ is an abbreviation of its development program: Canadair Regional Jet refers to Canadair, an aircraft manufacturer that became part of Bombardier in 1986. The CRJ series marked Canada’s entry into the civil jet industry.
3. The CRJ200 was designed to provide superior performance and operating efficiencies in the fast-growing regional airline industry. The smaller size of the regional jets meant than they could be used at most secondary airports.
4. The Bombardier CRJ200 is almost identical to its initial variant CRJ100, except for its more efficient engines. Upgrading the two engines to the CF34-3B1 model offered improved efficiency, lower fuel consumption, and an increase in cruise altitude and cruise speed. Originally developed for the United States Air Force, the CF34 family has been highly regarded as a very reliable and efficient engine.
5. In a typical seating configuration, the CRJ200 accommodates 50 passengers. It has been designed with cabin amenities and comfort features that are comparable to those of larger jet aircraft. The roomy 2.53 m wide cabin features two-plus-two seating and gives passengers 1.85 m of headroom.
6. During the mid-2000s, Bombardier’s commercial aircraft division had incurred persistent operational losses, which lead to cost-cutting efforts. In 2006, production of the CRJ200 came to an end. Bombardier adopted a new market strategy, prioritising the newer and larger CRJ700 and its direct derivatives over other products.
However, the majority of CRJ200s have remained in commercial service to date, and several airlines have modernised their fleet by retrofitting various technologies and innovations onto CRJ200s to support extended service.
Sources: Bombardier.com, Skybrary.aero, Wikipedia.com
