More Embraer 175 planes coming to Aspen as Delta swaps over

After United operated its last flight with the CRJ700 plane last Thursday, Delta announced on Friday, Aug. 8, that it would be swapping two more of its flights over to the new Embraer 175 airplane. 

Delta will be swapping its Atlanta and Los Angeles flights over to the E-175 plane in November. 

 That means more passengers and more cargo potential for Aspen/Pitkin County Airport, along with improved reliability over the CRJ700s. 

“This aircraft change isn’t just about a new look,” Delta said in a press release announcing the change on Friday morning. “It’s about solving real challenges for our customers and enhancing every leg of the journey.”

While the E-175 can carry more cargo and passengers, it is not always clear how much. The length of the flight is the biggest variable for airlines to consider when determining how packed they can get their ASE flights. 

However, according to Bill Tomcich, managing partner at Air Planners Inc. and consultant with Fly Aspen Snowmass, the E-175 will be able to carry “an average” of up to six more passengers than the CRJ700.

“Because the newest versions of the E-175 can carry on average six additional passengers out of ASE during hot and high or windy conditions or on longer distance flights from ASE, they are measurably cleaner than the CRJ700s in terms of emissions per passenger,” Tomcich said. 

American Airlines will be the last carrier operating a CRJ700 flight out of the Aspen Airport this year. They do not yet have a plan to replace the CRJ700 flight, but Tomcich believes that competitive pressure from United and Delta have the potential to make American Airlines move quickly toward the E-175.