1900D vs CRJ900
The CRJ900 leads, topping 5 of 7 compared metrics.
Put the Beechcraft / Textron Aviation 1900D (introduced 1991) beside the Bombardier Aviation CRJ900 (introduced 2003) and the trade-offs sharpen fast. Both are regional, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is cabin capacity, where the CRJ900 carries more passengers. Below we compare them spec by spec, then break down which aircraft suits which mission.
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
1900D vs CRJ900: the key differences
- The CRJ900 delivers 308% more range (1900D: 380 nm; CRJ900: 1,550 nm).
- The CRJ900 delivers 68% more cruise speed (1900D: 280 kt; CRJ900: 470 kt).
- The CRJ900 delivers 374% more passenger capacity (1900D: 19 seats; CRJ900: 90 seats).
- The CRJ900 is the newer design (introduced 2003 versus 1991 for the 1900D), a gap of 12 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The CRJ900 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (84,500 lbs versus 17,120 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
Which mission suits which aircraft
The CRJ900 is the stronger fit for regional and short-to-medium legs — its 1,550 nm of range removes fuel stops on those legs. The 1900D, at 380 nm, is better matched to short-haul and regional hops, where lower trip cost counts for more than outright reach. If most of your flying sits inside the 1900D's range, the CRJ900's extra capability is range you pay to carry but rarely use.
Which should you choose?
On published specifications the CRJ900 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The 1900D can still be the smarter buy on acquisition cost, operating economics, runway performance, or current availability — the factors that rarely show up in a spec sheet. Our acquisition advisory team can model both against your actual mission profile before you commit.
More comparisons
1900D vs CRJ900: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the 1900D or the CRJ900?
The CRJ900 has the longer published range — 1,550 nm versus 380 nm for the 1900D.
Does the 1900D or CRJ900 seat more passengers?
The CRJ900 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 90 seats, compared with 19 on the 1900D.
Which is faster, the 1900D or the CRJ900?
The CRJ900 cruises faster, at 470 kt versus 280 kt for the 1900D.
Which is newer, the 1900D or the CRJ900?
The CRJ900 is the newer design, introduced in 2003 versus 1991 for the 1900D.
Is the 1900D or the CRJ900 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the CRJ900 is the larger aircraft — 84,500 lbs versus 17,120 lbs for the 1900D.
Should I buy the 1900D or the CRJ900?
On published specifications the CRJ900 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The 1900D can still be the smarter buy on acquisition cost, operating economics, runway performance, or current availability — the factors that rarely show up in a spec sheet. Our acquisition advisory team can model both against your actual mission profile before you commit.
Still weighing up the 1900D vs CRJ900?
Specs only take you so far. Our advisors give an independent recommendation based on your mission, budget and how you actually fly — and represent your side through to purchase.