ME A220

While Maine proudly declares their CRJ fleet as the "most comfortable regional jets in the sky", they are still regional jets, and even increased legroom and seat width can't distract from the low cabin ceilings or loud rear-mounted engines. In 2019, Maine decided to start the process of replacing their aging CRJs with an aircraft that would provide passengers with an even more pleasant flying experience. The A220, with its excellent efficiency and range, superb passenger comfort, and modern technology, was chosen. Maine placed an order of 50 aircraft, 35 A220-100s and 15 larger A220-300s. When the first A220-100 was delivered in 2022, airline execs and passengers alike were shocked when its cabin was revealed. Instead of configuring the aircraft with a traditional 2-3 layout, Maine elected to configure the aircraft with a 2-2 layout, fitting only 82 seats on the jet that typically carries over 100. The seats feature 34 inches of pitch and 19.5 inches of width, only slightly reduced from first class products on most A220s. The A220-300 followed suit, with 98 seats in a 2-2 configuration and similar specs. In a market where other airlines are trying to squeeze as many seats on planes as possible, Maine decided to go in the opposite direction and double down on their philosophy of comfort above all else. The airline took a huge risk with this decision, but when Maine's A220s were first put in service on east coast shuttle services between Boston, New York and Washington D.C., passengers quickly fell in love with the product, and gladly paid the small premium to ride on an A220. Afterall, Maine's A220 fares are still significantly lower than their competitor's first class fares. The airline has since taken delivery of 8 A220s, 5 of the A220-100 variant and 3 of the A220-300 variant, with delivery continuing until 2025. Maine's fleet of CRJ200s are the first to be replaced, with CRJ700s and CRJ900s following suit as more A220s are delivered.

Aircraft Pictured:
N201ME, Airbus A220-100 "The Future Of The Northeast". Delivered to Maine in 2022. Painted in "Airbus A220" special livery 2022-present.
N204KM, Airbus A220-100 "Walter The Labrador". Delivered to Maine in 2022.
N529ME, Airbus A220-300 "Natalie The Fox". Delivered to Maine in 2023.