2-cabin jet starts flights from XNA to Chicago

Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport (XNA) in Highfill recently announced it would be one of the first airports to receive service from the only two-cabin, 50-seat regional jet.

Chicago-based United Airlines has started to provide service from XNA to Chicago O’Hare International Airport on the Bombardier CRJ-550.

The jet offers more legroom, storage and amenities than other regional aircraft, according to a news release. It allows passengers to fly first class and provides access to amenities such as space for every passenger to bring a roller bag on board, a self-serve refreshment center for first-class customers, more legroom per seat than any other 50-seat aircraft operated by a U.S. airline and the ability to use Wi-Fi while in flight. The first-class cabin includes 10 seats, and the remaining seats are in the rear cabin.

“We’re thrilled to begin serving Bentonville with our new CRJ-550 aircraft, a product that will transform regional flying for our customers,” said Ankit Gupta, vice president of domestic network planning for United. “We continue to invest in our customers’ experience, and the CRJ-550 is just one example of how we’re doing that for our customers in Northwest Arkansas.”

United also offers service from XNA to hubs in Houston, New York/Newark and San Francisco.

“XNA is honored to be one of the first airports to introduce the Bombardier CRJ-550 to our passengers,” said Andrew Branch, chief business development officer of XNA. “We are always on the lookout for ways to enhance our customers’ flight experience, and this aircraft will do exactly that.”