CRJ900 vs ARJ21-700
The CRJ900 leads, topping 3 of 7 compared metrics.
The Bombardier Aviation CRJ900 (introduced 2003) 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. We line the numbers up below, then translate them into the mission each aircraft actually wins.
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CRJ900 vs ARJ21-700: the key differences
- The ARJ21-700 delivers 44% more range (CRJ900: 1,550 nm; ARJ21-700: 2,225 nm).
- The CRJ900 delivers 11% more cruise speed (CRJ900: 470 kt; ARJ21-700: 422 kt).
- The CRJ900 and ARJ21-700 are evenly matched on passenger capacity, both at 90 seats.
- The ARJ21-700 is the newer design (introduced 2016 versus 2003 for the CRJ900), a gap of 13 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 84,500 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 CRJ900, at 1,550 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 CRJ900's range, the ARJ21-700's extra capability is range you pay to carry but rarely use.
Which should you choose?
Choose the ARJ21-700 when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the CRJ900 when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the CRJ900 holds the cruise-speed edge. The right answer ultimately depends on acquisition cost, maintenance-program status, and what is actually available on the market — talk to our acquisition advisory team to pressure-test the choice against your missions and budget.
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CRJ900 vs ARJ21-700: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the CRJ900 or the ARJ21-700?
The ARJ21-700 has the longer published range — 2,225 nm versus 1,550 nm for the CRJ900.
Which is faster, the CRJ900 or the ARJ21-700?
The CRJ900 cruises faster, at 470 kt versus 422 kt for the ARJ21-700.
Which is newer, the CRJ900 or the ARJ21-700?
The ARJ21-700 is the newer design, introduced in 2016 versus 2003 for the CRJ900.
Is the CRJ900 or the ARJ21-700 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the ARJ21-700 is the larger aircraft — 89,947 lbs versus 84,500 lbs for the CRJ900.
Should I buy the CRJ900 or the ARJ21-700?
Choose the ARJ21-700 when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the CRJ900 when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the CRJ900 holds the cruise-speed edge. The right answer ultimately depends on acquisition cost, maintenance-program status, and what is actually available on the market — talk to our acquisition advisory team to pressure-test the choice against your missions and budget.
Still weighing up the CRJ900 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.