Why So Many RJ's? Help Me Understand?

[CubsFanJohn]

Could anyone see in the next 10 years when we have no 50-seat RJ's and only have RP's AKA Regional Props?

 

[Dont call me Shirley]

Anyone know the fuel burn difference between the two aircraft and relate that to lb. per n.mile per available seat?

Then compare to the difference between financing $6 million and $24 million.

Excellent question (I was going to post something like that). It would be great to know the numbers for a Q-400 as well.

It brings up a related question: Given that (AFAIK) US Mainline pays for the fuel used by the express carriers, what - if any - incentive do the express operators have to save fuel?

 

[sharktooth]

Given that (AFAIK) US Mainline pays for the fuel used by the express carriers, what - if any - incentive do the express operators have to save fuel?

None, but it is even better than that. If they load up with gas, they (many times) must leave payload behind. If they are paid a flat fee to fly the route (fee for departure?), then with no incentive to save fuel, the incentive is to leave payload, getting paid the fee (their revenue) whether empty or full.

 

[Dont call me Shirley]

If they are paid a flat fee to fly the route (fee for departure?), then with no incentive to save fuel, the incentive is to leave payload, getting paid the fee (their revenue) whether empty or full.

Another good queation is whether there are any performance penalties or incentives. Considering how badly they seem to run, apparently not.


It is widely believed that the express carriers would rather run a plane hours late than canceling a flight, even if everyone has been rebooked and cancelling would get later flights by that aircraft back on schedule

 

[2clippedwings]

Another good queation is whether there are any performance penalties or incentives. Considering how badly they seem to run, apparently not.


It is widely believed that the express carriers would rather run a plane hours late than canceling a flight, even if everyone has been rebooked and cancelling would get later flights by that aircraft back on schedule

That may be true for "fee for departure" express carriers.
It's only true at the wholly owneds when "completion factor" is being focused on by upper management.

 

[sharktooth]

It is widely believed that the express carriers would rather run a plane hours late than canceling a flight, even if everyone has been rebooked and cancelling would get later flights by that aircraft back on schedule

Canceling a flight, they would lose their "fee".