Delta Air Lines brought a significant upgrade to regional air connectivity at smaller airports like Range Regional Airport (HIB) by introducing the CRJ550 Regional Jet to its fleet. The jet enhances travelers’ overall experience, offering a more convenient and comfortable flight. It’s an important step for the airline in delivering outstanding customer care and elevating their in-flight experience, as well as improving regional flights and providing features and services that aren’t often available at smaller airports.
The Features of Delta's CRJ550 Regional Jet
For those flying out of smaller regional airports in Minnesota like Range Regional Airport, Delta’s jet is a welcome game-changer. The CRJ550 Regional Jet is designed with the comfort of regional travelers in mind, offering a quality regional travel experience. By providing more sophisticated and passenger-friendly options for smaller airports, Delta is setting a higher standard for air travel, offering features to ensure no matter how short a regional flight is, passengers have more space and amenities.
With a seating capacity of 50 passengers (10 First Class, 20 Delta Comfort Plus, 20 Economy), the state-of-the-art jet is designed to make certain that flights are never overcrowded or uncomfortable. This is about a 35% reduction in seating compared to the CRJ700, which creates more space per passenger. One of the most notable features is that it’s built with a much more spacious cabin, providing enhanced legroom for passenger comfort. Also, unlike most traditional regional jets, the CRJ550 features a first-class section with spacious seating options. It boasts larger seats, in-flight service, and complimentary snacks and beverages.
Lastly, the jet is equipped with Wi-Fi and power outlets at every seat, making it easy for passengers to stay connected and keep their devices charged throughout their flight. For those flying for business, it makes it easy to work and stay online during their trip.
Extended Storage Features
One common issue many have with other regional jets is the lack of storage space. However, Delta has eliminated this pain point by including spacious overhead bins to accommodate today’s standard-sized carry-on. In addition to providing travelers with more carry-on convenience, it also reduces the need for passengers to check their bags and streamlines the boarding and disembarking processes.
Benefits for Range Regional Airport Travelers
Travelers flying from Hibbing, MN, will find that the CRJ550 provides a more convenient and comfortable travel experience. The increased legroom and seating options in the first-class section ensure a comfortable and enjoyable journey. Additionally, the larger overhead bins mean passengers can store their carry-on luggage without the worry of it being gate-checked due to a lack of space.
With a cruising speed of 515 mph (829 km/h) and a range of 662 miles (1,065 km), the CRJ550 is perfectly suited for short-to-medium distance Delta Airlines regional flights connecting Range Regional Airport to Delta hub Minneapolis - St. Paul International Airport.T
Comfort & Convenience for Families
For families traveling with children, the enhanced space offered by the CRJ550 and the in-flight amenities can make a significant difference in having a more relaxing flight. The extra legroom and available power outlets ensure that children can comfortably watch movies or play games and stay entertained throughout the flight, making family travel less stressful for parents and guardians. This makes the CRJ550 a great option for family-friendly travel.
Impact on the Local Community in the Iron Range Region
The introduction of the CRJ550 to Range Regional Airport represented a significant enhancement to the travel options available to the local community. The upgrade led to an increase in flight frequency, making air travel more accessible and convenient for residents in the Iron Range region. Not only did the improved travel experience benefit leisure travelers but local businesses as well, promoting greater connectivity and economic growth throughout the region.
In 2010, the airport had 11,227 passenger enplanements — a number expected to grow with the CRJ550 service.
In 2022, Range Regional Airport recorded 28,850 aircraft operations (about 79 per day): 84% general aviation, 9% scheduled commercial, and 8% air taxi flights. Source
Efficient Cost-Effective Travel
One of the key advantages of flying out of Range Regional Airport with the new CRJ550 is the considerable time savings compared to driving 182 miles to Minneapolis. Passengers can avoid the long drive and the associated costs, such as parking at MSP Airport. This makes air travel a more efficient and cost-effective option, especially for those who frequently travel for business or leisure.
For frequent travelers, the convenience of flying from a nearby airport cannot be overstated. The reduced travel time to and from the airport, coupled with the enhanced in-flight experience, makes the CRJ550 an attractive option. This convenience can translate to a better work-life balance for business travelers and more leisure time for vacationers.
Contact us today for more information about Delta’s CRJ550 Regional Jet
By introducing the CRJ550 Regional Jet at Range Regional Airport, Delta is setting a new benchmark for regional jet comfort. Passengers can look forward to a more comfortable, connected, and convenient travel experience, making Range Regional Airport an even more attractive option for their travel needs.
At Range Regional Airport, we pride ourselves on offering today’s leading amenities for passengers and aircraft. In addition to our flight services, we also provide airport services like FBO operations, charter flights, aircraft painting services, and more.
Contact us online today or call (218) 262-3451 for more information.
