Understanding Regional Jets: Connecting Smaller Communities

A regional jet is typically defined by its seating capacity and mission profile. Unlike narrowbody aircraft like the Boeing 737 or Airbus A320, which often carry 150 to 200 passengers, regional jets generally serve between 35 and 100 travelers.

The segment is highly diverse, categorized by several distinct aircraft types:

• Small Regional Jets: Averaging around 48 seats (e.g., CRJ-200, ERJ-145).

• Intermediate Regional Jets: Averaging 74 seats (e.g., Embraer E175).

• Large Regional Jets: Averaging 108 seats (e.g., Embraer E190/195).

• New-Generation Small Narrowbodies: Platforms like the Airbus A220 have begun to blur the lines, offering regional flexibility with the efficiency of larger mainline planes [1].

From a technical perspective, these planes are optimized for short-to-medium-range flights. While they mirror the sophistication of larger jets, their systems are refined for high-cycle operations—meaning they are built to take off and land many times a day. If you are interested in the engineering behind such feats, you can read more in our guide to understanding the basics of airplane mechanics.

For many small communities, regional jets are the only link to the global economy. Without these flights, traveling from a city like Medford, Oregon, or Erie, Pennsylvania, to an international destination would require hours of driving to a primary hub.

Hub Feeding and Connectivity

The primary role of a regional jet is “hub feeding.” Major airlines use regional partners to fly passengers from “spoke” cities into a central “hub.” This allows the airline to aggregate enough passengers from various small towns to fill a large widebody aircraft for an international flight. According to McKinsey & Company, approximately 54% of regional aircraft are used specifically to provide this network connectivity.

The Essential Air Service (EAS) Program

In the United States, many regional routes are subsidized through the Essential Air Service (EAS) program. This federal initiative ensures that small communities that were served by air carriers before the 1978 deregulation maintain a minimum level of scheduled service [2]. As of late 2024, the U.S. Department of Transportation provides EAS subsidies to 112 communities in the contiguous states and 65 in Alaska [3].

Despite their importance, the regional jet sector has faced a sluggish post-pandemic recovery. While global aviation capacity has largely returned to 2019 levels, regional service using smaller jets and turboprops has lagged behind [1].

1. Workforce Supply: Captapulted by early retirements during the pandemic, a shortage of qualified pilots has hit regional airlines hardest. Mainline carriers often hire pilots away from regional partners, leaving small-market aircraft “timed out” due to a lack of crews [4].
2. Up-gauging TRENDS: Airlines are increasingly moving away from 50-seat jets in favor of 76-seat aircraft like the Embraer E175. While this improves the cost per available seat mile (CASK), it can lead to reduced frequency for very small markets [4].
3. Operating Costs: Higher fuel prices and labor costs have made the economics of “thin” routes more difficult. In some cases, travelers are choosing to drive 2-3 hours to a larger airport to secure lower fares, a phenomenon known as “passenger leakage.”

As the industry looks to lower its environmental impact, regional aviation is becoming a testing ground for new technology. Because smaller aircraft require less energy to move and travel shorter distances, they are the primary candidates for electric and hybrid propulsion.

For a deeper dive into how the industry is addressing these issues, see our article on understanding the carbon footprint of air travel.

Current developments include:

• eCTOL (electric Conventional Take-off and Landing): These aircraft could significantly lower operating costs for short hops, potentially making currently unprofitable point-to-point routes viable again [1].

• Public Charters: Companies like JSX use regional jets in a “hop-on” charter configuration, allowing passengers to use private terminals and avoid long security lines, providing a high-end alternative to traditional regional service.

• Role: Regional jets are specialized aircraft (35–100 seats) that connect small communities to major hubs, enabling global travel from secondary markets.
• Heterogeneity: The sector includes various aircraft, from small 50-seat “ERJs” to advanced “small narrowbodies” like the Airbus A220.
• Economic Support: Programs like the Essential Air Service (EAS) provide crucial subsidies to maintain connectivity in remote or low-demand areas.
• Workforce Hurdles: A pilot shortage and “up-gauging” (moving to larger planes) are currently reducing flight frequencies in the smallest markets.
• Innovation Hub: Regional aviation is the likely “lighthouse” for sustainable flying, with electric and hybrid engines expected to debut in this segment before larger mainline aircraft.

Action Plan for the Regional Traveler

1. Check Local Airports First: While driving to a major hub might seem cheaper, factor in the cost of gas, parking, and time. Regional flights often save 4–6 hours of total travel time.
2. Verify Connections: When booking via a regional jet, ensure your connection time at the hub is at least 90 minutes. Smaller planes are sometimes more susceptible to regional weather delays.
3. Support Local Service: Flight frequency is often determined by “load factor” (how full the planes are). Utilizing your local airfield helps ensure the route remains economically viable for the airline.