CRJ700 vs ARJ21-700
The CRJ700 leads, topping 3 of 7 compared metrics.
The Bombardier Aviation CRJ700 (introduced 2001) and the COMAC ARJ21-700 (introduced 2016) are two aircraft buyers regularly weigh against each other. Both are regional, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is range, where the ARJ21-700 has the advantage. 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.
CRJ700 vs ARJ21-700: the key differences
- The ARJ21-700 delivers 61% more range (CRJ700: 1,378 nm; ARJ21-700: 2,225 nm).
- The CRJ700 delivers 12% more cruise speed (CRJ700: 473 kt; ARJ21-700: 422 kt).
- The ARJ21-700 delivers 15% more passenger capacity (CRJ700: 78 seats; ARJ21-700: 90 seats).
- The ARJ21-700 is the newer design (introduced 2016 versus 2001 for the CRJ700), a gap of 15 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The ARJ21-700 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (89,947 lbs versus 75,000 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
Which mission suits which aircraft
The ARJ21-700 is the stronger fit for transcontinental missions — its 2,225 nm of range removes fuel stops on those legs. The CRJ700, at 1,378 nm, is better matched to regional and short-to-medium legs, where lower trip cost counts for more than outright reach. If most of your flying sits inside the CRJ700's range, the ARJ21-700's extra capability is range you pay to carry but rarely use.
Which should you choose?
On published specifications the ARJ21-700 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The CRJ700 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.
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CRJ700 vs ARJ21-700: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the CRJ700 or the ARJ21-700?
The ARJ21-700 has the longer published range — 2,225 nm versus 1,378 nm for the CRJ700.
Does the CRJ700 or ARJ21-700 seat more passengers?
The ARJ21-700 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 90 seats, compared with 78 on the CRJ700.
Which is faster, the CRJ700 or the ARJ21-700?
The CRJ700 cruises faster, at 473 kt versus 422 kt for the ARJ21-700.
Which is newer, the CRJ700 or the ARJ21-700?
The ARJ21-700 is the newer design, introduced in 2016 versus 2001 for the CRJ700.
Is the CRJ700 or the ARJ21-700 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the ARJ21-700 is the larger aircraft — 89,947 lbs versus 75,000 lbs for the CRJ700.
Should I buy the CRJ700 or the ARJ21-700?
On published specifications the ARJ21-700 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The CRJ700 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 CRJ700 vs ARJ21-700?
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.