Every time a smaller city stays on the airline map, a regional aircraft made it happen. Think about the routes that would simply vanish without them — a manufacturing town in Ohio, a ski resort in Montana, a coastal hub in Alaska. These shorter connections depend entirely on aircraft purpose-built for the job.
Regional aircraft are a fascinating category. They sit right between the small general aviation world and the big mainline jets. They carry anywhere from a few dozen to around 100 passengers, hop between smaller airports and major hubs, and often operate under contracts with airlines like United, Delta, and American. They need to be reliable, economical, and capable of handling airports that a 737 would never touch.
In the United States especially, regional aviation plays a massive role. Programs like the Essential Air Service keep smaller communities connected to the national air travel network, and regional jets and turboprops do the heavy lifting. The regional jet market has seen strong growth and is expected to continue expanding in the years ahead, driven by rising travel demand and the need to serve underserved markets efficiently.
Whether you are an aviation enthusiast, an industry professional, or someone simply curious about what aircraft connect the dots on your route map, this guide breaks down the nine best regional aircraft flying today.
Key Takeaways
The best regional aircraft are those that balance passenger comfort, fuel efficiency, reliability, and the ability to operate from shorter or more challenging runways. Jets like the Embraer E175 and Bombardier CRJ900 dominate the US regional jet scene, while turboprops like the ATR 72-600 and De Havilland Canada Dash 8 Q400 serve shorter, thinner routes with excellent economics. The Airbus A220, though often considered a mainline aircraft, has also earned a place on regional-style routes thanks to its outstanding efficiency and passenger experience.
| Aircraft | Type | Seats (Approx.) | Range (Approx.) | Best Known For |
| Embraer E175 | Regional Jet | 76–88 | 2,200 nm | US scope clause favorite |
| Bombardier CRJ900 | Regional Jet | 76–90 | 1,350–1,835 nm | Fleet flexibility |
| Embraer E190-E2 | Regional/Narrowbody Jet | 97–106 | 2,852 nm | Fuel efficiency upgrade |
| ATR 72-600 | Turboprop | 70–78 | ~930 nm | Low-cost short-haul ops |
| De Havilland Canada Dash 8 Q400 | Turboprop | 76–90 | ~1,100 nm | Near-jet speed, turboprop cost |
| Embraer ERJ 145 | Regional Jet | 50 | ~1,650 nm | Essential Air Service routes |
| Bombardier CRJ700 | Regional Jet | 66–78 | 1,378 nm | Lightweight regional efficiency |
| Airbus A220-100/300 | Narrowbody Jet | 100–130 | ~3,400 nm | Premium comfort on thin routes |
| ATR 42-600 | Turboprop | 40–50 | ~870 nm | Small market connectivity |
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What Makes an Aircraft "Regional"?
The term regional aircraft covers a pretty wide net. Generally, these are aircraft designed to carry fewer than around 100 passengers on short-haul routes, typically operating between smaller communities and major airline hubs.
Most regional aircraft fall into one of two engine types:
- Regional jets use jet turbine engines, offering higher speed and altitude capability. Think of aircraft like the Embraer E-Jet family or the Bombardier CRJ series.
- Turboprops use propeller-driven engines powered by gas turbines. They are slower but often significantly cheaper to operate on shorter routes. The ATR family and the Dash 8 Q400 are prime examples.
Scope Clauses: The US Market's Invisible Force
If you have ever wondered why so many US regional airlines fly specific aircraft sizes, the answer often comes down to scope clauses. These are contractual limits in pilot union agreements that restrict the size and weight of aircraft that mainline airlines can subcontract to regional partners.
For years, scope clauses capped regional jets at 50 seats. That limit was eventually renegotiated upward to around 70–76 seats in many contracts. This shaped the entire market, driving demand for specific aircraft like the Embraer E175 and pushing manufacturers to design within those boundaries.
Good to Know: The Embraer E175-E2, a newer and more efficient version of the E175, has struggled to win US orders precisely because its heavier weight pushes it outside typical scope clause limits — even though it is a more capable aircraft.
Turboprops vs. Regional Jets: Which Is Right for a Route?
Before diving into individual aircraft, it helps to understand when airlines choose turboprops over regional jets, and vice versa.
Turboprops tend to win on:
- Routes under roughly 300–400 miles
- Airports with shorter runways
- Very thin routes where keeping seat costs low is critical
- Island-hopping and remote community service
Regional jets tend to win on:
- Faster routes where speed matters to passengers
- Routes that need to blend into mainline operations seamlessly
- Markets where passengers expect a jet-like experience
- Routes between 400 and 1,500 miles
Pro Tip: For a deeper look at how these aircraft fit into the broader general aviation landscape, the roundup of top general aviation aircraft is a great companion read to this article.
The 9 Best Regional Aircraft Flying Today
Regional aviation covers a wide range of designs, from nimble turboprops built for grass strips to sophisticated jets that rival mainline aircraft in comfort and range.
The nine aircraft below represent the best of that spectrum — chosen for their reliability, operational track record, passenger experience, and the real-world role they play in keeping shorter routes viable. Some dominate the US market, others shine on international thin routes, and a few do both.
1. Embraer E175: The King of US Regional Jets
If there is one aircraft that defines modern US regional aviation, it is the Embraer E175. First entering service in 2005 with Air Canada, the E175 became the dominant aircraft in North America's regional jet segment — and it has held that position ever since.
The E175 is part of Embraer's E-Jet family, which includes the E170, E175, E190, and E195. The E175 seats around 76 to 88 passengers depending on configuration, and it offers a generous 2-2 seating layout in economy — meaning no dreaded middle seat. That alone has made it a passenger favorite compared to older three-abreast regional jets.
Range sits at around 2,200 nautical miles, which is exceptional for its class. Embraer claims around 80% market share in the 76-seat North American segment, and it is easy to see why. As of late 2024, the type had racked up an impressive operational record with nearly 900 firm orders and a dependability rate that reportedly exceeded 99%.
Airlines that operate it: SkyWest (for United and Alaska), Republic Airways (for American and United), Horizon Air, and others.
Fun Fact: United Airlines and SkyWest began retrofitting jointly operated E175 aircraft with new overhead bins in 2024 that can hold around 29 additional bags — an 80% increase in overhead storage space.
2. Bombardier CRJ900: The Veteran That Won't Quit
The CRJ900 is Bombardier's stretched regional jet and one of the most widely operated aircraft in North America. Production ended in 2020 when Bombardier sold the program to Mitsubishi, but nearly 500 were built and hundreds remain in active service.
With seating for 76 to 90 passengers and a range of roughly 1,350 to 1,835 nautical miles (depending on variant), the CRJ900 covers a lot of ground. It is part of the legendary Bombardier CRJ series, which also includes the smaller CRJ200 and CRJ700.
The CRJ900 has a narrower cabin than the E175 — a 2-1 seating layout in a typical configuration — which some passengers find tight. However, airlines love its shorter runway requirements, which make it useful at airports where the E175 might struggle.
Airlines that operate it: American Airlines (via PSA Airlines and Piedmont), Delta Connection, Air Canada Express, and SkyWest.
Keep in Mind: The CRJ900 requires a shorter takeoff run than the E175, making it well-suited for airports with constrained runway lengths. This operational flexibility is a real advantage for certain route networks.
3. Embraer E190-E2: The Smart Upgrade for Growing Markets
The E190-E2 is Embraer's second-generation regional jet and one of the most advanced aircraft in its class. It replaced the original E190 with a new wing, new engines (Pratt & Whitney PW1900G geared turbofans), and significantly improved fuel efficiency — reportedly around 16–17% better than the original E190.
Seating runs from 97 to around 106 passengers in a typical two-class configuration. The range is an impressive roughly 2,850 nautical miles, pushing this aircraft firmly into mainline territory while still offering the economics that regional operators need.
The E190-E2 competes with the Airbus A220-100 in the 100-seat market. Airlines like Azul Brazilian Airlines and Porter Airlines have embraced it for its operational cost advantages. Lower maintenance intervals also help — Embraer notes that E-Jet E2 aircraft can fly around 1,000 hours before intermediate maintenance, compared to around 750 hours for the A320 family.
Why It Matters: For routes that have outgrown a 76-seat jet but don't need a full 150-seat narrowbody, the E190-E2 fills a genuinely useful gap in the market.
*Flying411 covers the full spectrum of aircraft types, from regional jets to high-performance business aircraft. If you are curious about top business aircraft that share some of the same advanced avionics and engine technology, that comparison is worth reading.
4. ATR 72-600: The World's Most Popular Regional Turboprop
ATR is a joint venture between Airbus and Leonardo, based in Toulouse, France. Its ATR 72 has become arguably the most popular regional turboprop in the world, with over 1,800 units produced across all variants as of recent reports.
The ATR 72-600, the current production model, carries up to 78 passengers and has a range of roughly 930 nautical miles. It is powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127M engines, with a newer PW127XT engine option that debuted at the 2021 Dubai Airshow, promising around 20% lower maintenance costs and 3% lower fuel consumption compared to its predecessor.
Its high-wing design keeps engines farther from the ground, which is useful at airports with unpaved or rough surfaces. Airlines in Asia, the Pacific, Africa, and parts of Europe rely heavily on the ATR 72-600 for connecting smaller communities where jet operations would simply be too expensive.
| Feature | ATR 72-600 |
| Seats | Up to 78 |
| Range | ~930 nm |
| Engines | 2x PW127M / PW127XT |
| Takeoff Distance | ~1,175 m |
| Typical Use Case | Short regional hops, thin routes |
Fun Fact: Air Tahiti operates one of the world's longer non-stop turboprop routes with the ATR 72, covering a journey of over 1,000 miles across the Pacific Ocean.
5. De Havilland Canada Dash 8 Q400: Turboprop Speed, Turboprop Economics
The Dash 8 Q400 occupies a fascinating niche. It is a turboprop that flies almost like a regional jet in terms of speed, cruising at roughly 640 to 670 km/h — significantly faster than the ATR 72's approximate 510 km/h. For passengers, this often means the difference between a 70-minute flight and a 90-minute one.
Originally built by Bombardier and now under the De Havilland Canada brand (part of Longview Aviation), the Q400 carries up to 90 passengers and has a range of roughly 1,100 nautical miles. The "Q" in its name refers to its active noise and vibration suppression system, which gives it a notably quieter cabin than older turboprop designs.
Porter Airlines in Canada famously built its entire original brand identity around the Q400, offering a surprisingly premium turboprop experience. The aircraft works beautifully on routes where a jet's extra speed matters less than keeping seat costs manageable.
For comparison with other twin-engine piston and turboprop designs, the rundown of top twin-engine piston aircraft offers useful context on propeller-driven aviation.
Pro Tip: Q400 production was paused in 2021, so used-market values are worth watching closely for operators looking to acquire the type. Demand for the aircraft remains solid on certain route networks, particularly in Europe and Canada.
6. Embraer ERJ 145: The Little Jet That Keeps Small Cities Flying
The Embraer ERJ 145 is a 50-seat regional jet that entered service in the late 1990s and helped define an era of regional aviation. Though no longer in production, around 650 of these aircraft remain in active service globally as of recent data.
In the US, the ERJ 145 plays a critical role in the Essential Air Service program, connecting small communities to hub airports that larger aircraft would never serve. Airlines like American Eagle and Envoy Air have operated large fleets of the type.
It seats exactly 50 passengers in a 1-2 configuration, powered by three Rolls-Royce AE 3007 turbofan engines (two at the tail, one on the fuselage). Range is roughly 1,650 nautical miles. The aircraft is narrow and somewhat compact compared to newer jets, but its reliability record and low acquisition cost on the secondary market have kept it relevant well beyond its original expected service life.
Good to Know: The ERJ 145's 50-seat capacity was specifically aligned with early US scope clauses, which is a big part of why so many were ordered and why so many are still flying today.
7. Bombardier CRJ700: The Lightweight Regional Workhorse
The CRJ700 sits just below the CRJ900 in Bombardier's regional jet family, seating around 66 to 78 passengers with a range of roughly 1,378 nautical miles. It was the first stretched variant of the original CRJ100/200 family and entered service in 2001.
Airlines prize the CRJ700 for being the lightest aircraft in its capacity segment, which translates to lower fuel burn and stronger performance at hot-and-high airports. Its operating costs are competitive, and its smaller size makes it a natural fit for thinner routes that a CRJ900 would over-serve.
The CRJ700 also benefits from strong fleet commonality with the CRJ900, making it easier for airlines to operate both types without doubling up on pilot training and maintenance programs.
Airlines that operate it: Delta Connection, American Eagle, Air Canada Express, and others throughout North America.
Heads Up: With CRJ production now permanently ended, parts availability and long-term support for the CRJ700 will be worth monitoring for any operator considering a fleet investment in the type.
8. Airbus A220-100 and A220-300: The Disruption From Above
The Airbus A220 — originally designed as the Bombardier CSeries before Airbus acquired the program in 2018 — is technically not a traditional regional jet. But it has disrupted the regional end of the market in a major way, and it belongs on this list.
The A220-100 seats around 100 to 120 passengers, while the A220-300 stretches to approximately 130 to 160 passengers. What makes it exceptional is the combination of outstanding passenger comfort (wider seats, larger windows than most narrowbodies) and genuinely strong fuel economics thanks to Pratt & Whitney PW1500G geared turbofan engines.
Range is remarkable for its size — roughly 3,400 nautical miles for the A220-100 — which enables non-stop service between thinner markets that used to require a connection. Airlines like Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, and Air Canada have embraced the type enthusiastically.
The A220 is the aircraft that many observers believe will reshape the lower end of the narrowbody market in the coming decade. It also serves as a reminder that the boundary between "regional" and "mainline" aircraft is increasingly blurry.
For anyone curious how the A220's approach compares to purpose-built small aircraft designs, the review of the best small aircraft shows how different design philosophies can address similar connectivity challenges.
Why It Matters: The A220 offers passengers a noticeably better experience than most aircraft in its class. Wider seats, lower cabin altitude, and larger windows are real, tangible improvements that frequent travelers have noticed and appreciate.
9. ATR 42-600: The Specialist for the Smallest Markets
The ATR 42-600 is the smaller sibling of the ATR 72, designed for routes where even 70-seat turboprops would be over-capacity. It seats around 40 to 50 passengers and has a range of roughly 870 nautical miles.
For community aviation, island operations, and thin domestic routes in regions like Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, and Sub-Saharan Africa, the ATR 42-600 is often the only economically viable fixed-wing option. It shares extensive systems commonality with the ATR 72, which makes fleet management simpler for operators running both types.
The ATR 42-600S variant, a short take-off and landing (STOL) version, has also been developed to serve airports with runways as short as around 800 meters — opening up even more remote destinations to scheduled service.
Fun Fact: The ATR 42-600S STOL variant was designed specifically to serve island communities and mountain airports where no other commercial aircraft can operate safely and economically.
Regional aviation, especially at the smaller end of the market, shares some of the connectivity spirit found in specialized aircraft like those covered in the best VTOL aircraft overview, which explores aircraft designed to reach locations that even turboprops cannot serve.
How These Aircraft Compare: Quick Reference
| Aircraft | Type | Seats | Range (nm) | Key Strength |
| Embraer E175 | Jet | 76–88 | ~2,200 | US market dominance |
| CRJ900 | Jet | 76–90 | 1,350–1,835 | Short runway ops |
| Embraer E190-E2 | Jet | 97–106 | ~2,852 | Fuel efficiency |
| ATR 72-600 | Turboprop | 70–78 | ~930 | Low operating cost |
| Dash 8 Q400 | Turboprop | 76–90 | ~1,100 | Near-jet speed |
| ERJ 145 | Jet | 50 | ~1,650 | Essential Air Service |
| CRJ700 | Jet | 66–78 | ~1,378 | Lightweight efficiency |
| Airbus A220 | Jet | 100–160 | ~3,400 | Passenger comfort |
| ATR 42-600 | Turboprop | 40–50 | ~870 | Smallest markets |
What to Consider When Evaluating Regional Aircraft
If you are looking at regional aircraft from an ownership, investment, or operational standpoint, a few key factors deserve close attention.
Operating Costs
Fuel burn per seat is the number that matters most on short routes. Turboprops generally win on very short sectors, but jets close the gap quickly once routes exceed around 300–400 miles.
Parts Availability and Support
For aircraft like the CRJ series, production has ended. This means parts support, while currently strong, is something operators should plan around carefully for the long term. Embraer still produces the E175 and the E2 family, giving those types a clearer long-term support picture.
Scope Clauses and US Certification
Any operator planning to fly under a regional feed agreement in the US needs to understand whether a specific aircraft model falls within the applicable scope clause limits. This can significantly narrow — or expand — the field of eligible aircraft.
Passenger Experience
Regional jets have come a long way from the cramped 50-seaters of the 1990s. Aircraft like the E175 and A220 offer genuinely comfortable cabins. On thinner or shorter routes, the passenger experience matters more than many operators initially expect, because it directly affects customer loyalty and repeat business.
Quick Tip: Thinking about how aircraft maintenance affects long-term value? The principles that apply to large regional aircraft often mirror what goes into keeping smaller aircraft airworthy too. The comparison of top firefighting aircraft is a reminder of just how broadly aviation maintenance and reliability standards shape every aircraft type.
The Future of Regional Aviation
Regional aviation is at an interesting crossroads. On one side, the Embraer E175 still holds a stranglehold on the US regional jet market thanks to scope clauses. On the other, the Airbus A220 is reshaping what airlines expect from a 100-to-130-seat aircraft.
Meanwhile, new technologies are beginning to appear on the horizon. Electric and hybrid-electric regional aircraft are being developed by companies including Heart Aerospace, which has unveiled a demonstrator for a 30-seat hybrid-electric regional airliner. These aircraft are still years from commercial service, but they point toward a future where short-hop routes might eventually be powered by something other than traditional turbines.
For now, the nine aircraft on this list represent the best the industry currently has to offer — reliable, proven, and essential to keeping communities connected.
Conclusion
The best regional aircraft are not just machines. They are lifelines. They connect communities that would otherwise be left off the aviation map, and they do it with impressive efficiency and reliability. From the dominant Embraer E175 to the humble ATR 42-600 serving the smallest markets on earth, every aircraft on this list earns its place by doing something genuinely useful.
Whether you are a passenger, a pilot, an investor, or simply an aviation enthusiast, understanding these aircraft gives you a much richer picture of how modern commercial aviation actually works.
And if you want to keep learning about the aircraft that shape the skies, Flying411 is the resource to bookmark — covering everything from regional jets to the most specialized aircraft flying today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular regional jet in the United States?
The Embraer E175 is widely considered the most popular regional jet in the US market. It dominates the 76-seat segment, with the majority of its active fleet operating in North America under contracts with major airlines including United, American, Delta, and Alaska.
What is the difference between a regional jet and a turboprop?
A regional jet uses jet turbine engines and typically flies faster and higher than a turboprop. A turboprop uses propeller-driven engines powered by a gas turbine, which tends to be more fuel-efficient on shorter routes but slower overall. Airlines choose between them based on route length, airport conditions, and operating cost targets.
Why do US regional jets tend to have fewer than 76 seats?
US scope clauses in pilot union contracts limit the size of aircraft that mainline carriers can subcontract to regional airlines. These clauses historically capped jets at 50 seats and were later renegotiated to allow up to 70–76 seats in many agreements, which is why aircraft like the Embraer E175 are so prevalent.
Is the Airbus A220 considered a regional aircraft?
The A220 sits at the boundary between regional and mainline aircraft. It is larger than traditional regional jets and is often used on domestic and short international routes. Some airlines deploy it on routes that were previously served by regional aircraft, blurring the line between the two categories.
Are turboprop aircraft safe?
Yes. Modern turboprop aircraft like the ATR 72 and Dash 8 Q400 have strong safety records and are certified to the same rigorous standards as jet aircraft. They are regularly operated by commercial airlines in some of the most challenging environments in the world, including mountainous terrain, island routes, and remote arctic conditions.
