Originally Posted by
Lighteningspeed
I agree with most of what you are saying except CRJ900 and E175s do not have same engines. CRJ900 NWA ordered for us is an enhanced NextGen version that has 19,450 lbs thrust per side where as E175 only has about 14,500 lbs thrust per side and E175 is heavier and has more drag because it is wider and has engines mounted under the wings. CRJ900 can outclimb and is definitely faster, but is only about 15% more fuwel efficient, I believe. 30% seems little too high.
Not sure about E175s having a higher payload. CRJ900 I think the payload for both is very close. CRJ900 is just as comfortable as E175s. E175s in the cabin is only about 4 inches wider. I have sat in both as a passenger recently and I couldn't tell the difference. Word has it from the training department that we will be flying to Florida as well.
The 900 doesnt put out 19500 a side, unless I have been flying the dumbed down version. It is in the 1370 range with an uptrim to 14500. I cant comment on the pax seating as I have never been in the 175. On a side not however I cant recall the last time that NWA ever cared about passenger comfort. The only reason they have the 200 is so they can p!ss off 50 people at a time. I think the 900 may be faster but we dont fly it anywhere near its top speed. Florida is Comair territory and I suspect it will probably stay that way. You may see some but it would be coming from MEM.