CRJ900 vs Dash 8-300
The CRJ900 leads, topping 5 of 7 compared metrics.
The Bombardier Aviation CRJ900 (introduced 2003) and the De Havilland Canada Dash 8-300 (introduced 1989) 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 CRJ900 has the advantage. undefined
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CRJ900 vs Dash 8-300: the key differences
- The CRJ900 delivers 94% more range (CRJ900: 1,550 nm; Dash 8-300: 800 nm).
- The CRJ900 delivers 64% more cruise speed (CRJ900: 470 kt; Dash 8-300: 287 kt).
- The CRJ900 delivers 61% more passenger capacity (CRJ900: 90 seats; Dash 8-300: 56 seats).
- The CRJ900 is the newer design (introduced 2003 versus 1989 for the Dash 8-300), a gap of 14 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 43,000 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 Dash 8-300, at 800 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 Dash 8-300'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 Dash 8-300 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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CRJ900 vs Dash 8-300: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the CRJ900 or the Dash 8-300?
The CRJ900 has the longer published range — 1,550 nm versus 800 nm for the Dash 8-300.
Does the CRJ900 or Dash 8-300 seat more passengers?
The CRJ900 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 90 seats, compared with 56 on the Dash 8-300.
Which is faster, the CRJ900 or the Dash 8-300?
The CRJ900 cruises faster, at 470 kt versus 287 kt for the Dash 8-300.
Which is newer, the CRJ900 or the Dash 8-300?
The CRJ900 is the newer design, introduced in 2003 versus 1989 for the Dash 8-300.
Is the CRJ900 or the Dash 8-300 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the CRJ900 is the larger aircraft — 84,500 lbs versus 43,000 lbs for the Dash 8-300.
Should I buy the CRJ900 or the Dash 8-300?
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 Dash 8-300 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 CRJ900 vs Dash 8-300?
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.