CRJ900 vs Saab 340
The CRJ900 leads, topping 5 of 7 compared metrics.
Put the Bombardier Aviation CRJ900 (introduced 2003) beside the Saab Saab 340 (introduced 1984) 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. undefined
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CRJ900 vs Saab 340: the key differences
- The CRJ900 delivers 66% more range (CRJ900: 1,550 nm; Saab 340: 935 nm).
- The CRJ900 delivers 88% more cruise speed (CRJ900: 470 kt; Saab 340: 250 kt).
- The CRJ900 delivers 157% more passenger capacity (CRJ900: 90 seats; Saab 340: 35 seats).
- The CRJ900 is the newer design (introduced 2003 versus 1984 for the Saab 340), a gap of 19 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 29,000 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 Saab 340, at 935 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 Saab 340'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 Saab 340 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
CRJ900 vs Saab 340: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the CRJ900 or the Saab 340?
The CRJ900 has the longer published range — 1,550 nm versus 935 nm for the Saab 340.
Does the CRJ900 or Saab 340 seat more passengers?
The CRJ900 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 90 seats, compared with 35 on the Saab 340.
Which is faster, the CRJ900 or the Saab 340?
The CRJ900 cruises faster, at 470 kt versus 250 kt for the Saab 340.
Which is newer, the CRJ900 or the Saab 340?
The CRJ900 is the newer design, introduced in 2003 versus 1984 for the Saab 340.
Is the CRJ900 or the Saab 340 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the CRJ900 is the larger aircraft — 84,500 lbs versus 29,000 lbs for the Saab 340.
Should I buy the CRJ900 or the Saab 340?
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 Saab 340 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 Saab 340?
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.