CityJetWX

CityJet is an Irish regional airline that has evolved from a scheduled carrier into one of Europe's leading providers of wet lease (ACMI) services. Founded in 1993 by entrepreneur Pat Byrne, the airline originally operated scheduled services between Dublin and London City Airport. Today, CityJet provides aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance (ACMI) to major European airlines, with all passenger-facing services managed by the customer airline.

Headquartered at Dublin Airport, CityJet operates a fleet of CRJ900 regional jets primarily on behalf of Scandinavian Airlines (SAS). The airline is part of the Strategic Alliance of Regional Airlines (SARA), formed through a merger with Spanish regional carrier Air Nostrum in October 2023. Under this structure, CityJet holds a 20% interest while Air Nostrum shareholders control the remaining 80%.

CityJet holds IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certification and UK CAA TCO approval. The airline employs over 500 staff, with more than 330 based at Copenhagen Kastrup Airport supporting SAS operations.

Critical: CityJet does not set baggage policies for passengers. The airline that sold you the ticket determines your baggage allowance.

If Flying with SAS (Current Primary Customer)

Check SAS baggage policies at flysas.com. Typical SAS allowances:

SAS Fare	Cabin Bag	Checked Bag
SAS Go Light	1 x 8kg	Not included
SAS Go	1 x 8kg	1 x 23kg
SAS Plus	2 x 8kg	2 x 23kg
SAS Business	2 x 8kg	2 x 32kg

Historical CityJet Baggage (Pre-2018)

When CityJet operated scheduled services under its own brand:

Carry-On Allowance:

• One cabin bag: 21.7" x 13.8" x 9.8" (55 x 35 x 25 cm)
• Weight limit: 26 lbs (12 kg)
• Plus one personal item (handbag, briefcase, laptop bag, or camera bag)

Checked Baggage:

• Standard: 1 x 44 lbs (20 kg) per passenger
• CityPlus fare: 2 x 50 lbs (23 kg)
• Infants: 1 x 22 lbs (10 kg) plus one pushchair/buggy

Overweight Fee: EUR 55 for bags 51-70 lbs (24-32 kg)

These policies are historical reference only and do not apply to current wet lease operations.

CRJ900 Fleet

CityJet operates a standardized fleet of Bombardier (now Mitsubishi) CRJ900LR aircraft:

Seat Configuration:

• All-economy layout: 88-90 seats
• 2-2 seating configuration
• Standard regional jet comfort

Seat Specifications:

• Pitch: Approximately 30-31 inches
• Width: 17-18 inches
• Overhead bins suitable for standard carry-on bags

Cabin Features:

• Leather seats (recently refreshed interiors on many aircraft)
• Window shades
• Reading lights and air vents at each seat

Aircraft Performance

Specification	CRJ900LR
Passengers	88-90
Range	1,548 nm (2,871 km)
Cruise Speed	447 knots (0.85 Mach)
Max Altitude	41,000 feet
Length	118.8 ft (36.2 m)
Wingspan	81.7 ft (24.9 m)
Engines	2 x GE CF34-8C5

Sustainability: CRJ aircraft are approved for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and consume approximately 50% less fuel than 180-190 seat narrowbody aircraft on equivalent regional routes.

In-Flight Service

In-flight service depends entirely on the customer airline's standards:

On SAS-operated routes:

• Service follows SAS cabin standards
• Food and beverage per SAS fare class
• SAS in-flight magazine
• SAS WiFi (where equipped by SAS)

The CityJet crew delivers service according to the customer airline's specifications, wearing customer airline uniforms on some contracts.

CRJ1000 (Limited Operations)

CityJet also operates a small number of CRJ1000 aircraft (100 seats) which were previously used for Lufthansa Group wet lease contracts until October 2025. These aircraft feature:

• 100-seat capacity
• Extended range: 1,650 nm (3,056 km)
• Similar 2-2 configuration

Understanding Your Booking

1. Check "operated by" details: Your confirmation will show if the flight is operated by CityJet
2. Follow customer airline rules: Even if CityJet operates the aircraft, all passenger policies come from your ticketing airline
3. Don't contact CityJet for passenger issues: They genuinely cannot help; contact SAS (or whichever airline sold the ticket)

What to Expect on CityJet-Operated Flights

The Good:

• Modern CRJ900 fleet with recently refreshed interiors
• Experienced crew (CityJet has operated since 1993)
• Efficient regional jet ideal for 1-3 hour flights
• Strong safety record and IOSA certification

Regional Jet Realities:

• Smaller overhead bins than narrowbody aircraft
• 2-2 seating (no middle seats, everyone has aisle or window access)
• Cabin pressure and noise typical of regional jets
• May board via stairs rather than jet bridge at some airports

Connecting Flights

When connecting to/from CityJet-operated flights:

• Baggage: Checked through to final destination per customer airline's policies
• Rebooking: Contact the ticketing airline if you miss a connection
• Allow time: Regional aircraft often use remote stands requiring bus transfers

For Aviation Enthusiasts

CityJet aircraft are registered in Ireland (EI- registration). Several aircraft wear SAS livery while others retain CityJet colors. The airline's transition from Avro RJ85s to CRJ900s marked a significant fleet modernization.

Common Misconceptions

Misconception	Reality
"CityJet sets baggage rules"	Customer airline determines all passenger policies
"I can earn CityJet miles"	No CityJet loyalty program; earn through ticketing airline
"Contact CityJet for delays"	Customer airline handles all disruptions
"CityJet flies to Dublin"	CityJet no longer operates scheduled services; bases at CPH/ARN support wet leases

Information current as of January 2026. For passenger inquiries, always contact the airline that sold your ticket.