- United confirms retrofit of 50 CRJ200 to CRJ450 by 2030.
- CRJ450 seats 41 passengers with luggage closet in first cabin.
- More than 50 CRJ450 and 120 CRJ550 in service by 2028.
- SkyWest provides 30 CRJ200 aircraft for modification.
- First CRJ450 operations start in autumn 2026.
United Airlines confirmed plans to retrofit about 50 CRJ200 aircraft into the CRJ450 version by 2030. The new variant seats 41 passengers and removes overhead bins in the United First cabin in favour of a large luggage closet. The CRJ450 joins the CRJ550 so United expects more than 50 CRJ450 and nearly 120 CRJ550 in service by 2028.
At the end of 2025 United had 30 CRJ200 aircraft in its fleet from SkyWest Airlines under United Express with 50 passenger configuration. SkyWest has 130 CRJ200 aircraft with average age of 23 years. The companies require a supplemental type certificate from the FAA for the new interiors.
The modification evokes a private jet experience for travellers in the United First cabin. SkyWest expects to begin operating the premium United Express product in autumn 2026 with more than 50 in service by 2028.
SkyWest shared “we are excited to partner with United to elevate the onboard customer experience reimagining the CRJ200 into the enhanced CRJ450 our first CRJ450 modification is in process and we expect to begin operating this premium United Express product beginning in autumn 2026 with more than 50 in service by 2028.”
