GoJet Airlines, a regional carrier operating under the United Express banner, has placed an order for 20 new Bombardier CRJ550 aircraft. The CRJ550 is United's way of remaining within its scope clauses while still offering premium products on low-demand routes.

United Airlines CRJ550
The CRJ550 will come to a shuttle service between the airports of Washington-Reagan and Newark Liberty. Photo: United Airlines

GoJet Airlines announced that it will take on another 20, new Bombardier CRJ550s. This is on top of the 54 CRJ550s the carrier already will operate for United. United Express CRJ550s made their debut out of Chicago.

This year however, these aircraft will make their way to United's hubs in Newark and Washington–Dulles. In fact, the CRJ550 will do shuttle flights between Newark and Washington-Reagan.

Inside the CRJ550

Most people consider regional flying in the US on 50-seat jets to be a bit of a nightmare at worst, or an "average" experience at best. These aircraft often feel rather cramped inside with their low ceilings. Inside, however, United has given passengers three different experiences. There is a distinct first class cabin with 10 seats in a 1-2 configuration.

First Class CRJ550 United
First Class on the CRJ550 is in a 1-2 configuration. Photo: United Airlines

Behind that first class there are 40 economy class seats. 20 of these seats are extra-legroom economy class seats. The other 20 are traditional economy class seats. Up at the front of the aircraft, there is a self-serve snack bar for First Class passengers.

Bombardier's CRJ550 works well for United Express. United's agreements with pilots limit the number of larger regional jets, like the Bombardier CRJ900 or Embraer E175s, United Express carriers can operate. The CRJ550 helps United offer premium services to select destinations.

Another major source of frustration when it comes to regional flying is the lack of storage space for carry-on baggage. Thankfully, these United Express CRJ550s have onboard storage closets that can accommodate more passengers' bags.

CRJ550 self serve snack bar
The self-serve snack bar on the CRJ550 made exclusively available to first class passengers. Photo: United Airlines

United is betting big on the CRJ550

One of the biggest sources of revenue for full-service carriers are premium passengers. And, United has been making a huge push for premium travelers with premium-heavy Boeing 767s.

By operating the CRJ550 out of hubs, United is extending premium products to travelers from smaller destinations. This aircraft is the only regional jet operating in the United States that is configured for premium-heavy routes. And at this time, no other regional carriers operate the CRJ550.

Overall

At the end of the day, this represents a further commitment to offering more premium seats on a number of routes. With this new order of 20 aircraft, GoJet Airlines has ordered a grand total of 74 CRJ550s that will fly under the United Express banner.

Have you flown on a United Express CRJ550? What was your experience like? Or, do you want to fly on the CRJ550? Let us know in the comments!