That’s some interesting opinions. Wow. Thanks for chiming in.
I was talking to a student at an aviation school last week, and I asked him if the school was touching on the future of aircraft engines and fuels. He said they weren’t, instead focusing on short term versus long term. I thought that was VERY interesting.
I think I’ll start digging around GE and RR’s sites and see what plans they have for new fuels for AC engines. I’m SURE there has to be something in development somewhere. I don’t see aviation regressing back to a particular point in history though. If we stick with today’s petroleum, yes, but not if the old saying is true… necessity is the mother of invention. I think whichever carrier can corner the market on a new cheap fuel (or patent the engine) will be very rich.
All I know is capacity is way down, but are the carriers switching back to 73’s or MD80’s now? I heard that you can buy a MD80 for around $4mil now.
Thanks for the input!
I see airlines switching the 50 seat RJ's out with larger ones. So in a sense they do have to go larger to increase the fuel economy, but we'll see. As far as MD80's sure their cheap to procure, but maintenance and fuel have got to be through the roof. AA must be researching a replacement for their Super 80's, but with their financial status that may have to come later.
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Nice outlook, Deadstick35!!
Are the regionals dumping the RJ's now? I've been out of the scene for 4 years now, but didn't know that. Gee, it was just recently that everyone was going to the RJ's, and now it sounds like that's been reversed. That makes sense for Republic to buy Frontier now. Hmmm...
Thanks for that link Cubdriver! Very informative!!
Nice outlook, Deadstick35!! Are the regionals dumping the RJ's now? I've been out of the scene for 4 years now, but didn't know that. Gee, it was just recently that everyone was going to the RJ's, and now it sounds like that's been reversed. That makes sense for Republic to buy Frontier now. Hmmm...
Thanks for that link Cubdriver! Very informative!!
Delta has removed over 100 50 seat RJ's from their Delta Connection fleet, with more to come this year. They are a dying breed.
Delta has removed over 100 50 seat RJ's from their Delta Connection fleet, with more to come this year. They are a dying breed.
The trouble is that the commuters that operated the 50 seaters are now operating the 70 ,90 and 100 seaters instead of the mainline and the pilots appear to be being paid at 50 seat rates. How many seats did the small DC-9 have, the 14's and 21's when the majors flew them.
5-10 yrs out I see global alliances being huge. Star, Skyteam, oneworld will be the place you go to buy a ticket. The sub lying brands like DAL, UAL, AA will not be the marketing focus. Large turboprop aircraft will be the new growth sector because of lower cost with rising oil prices.
10-20yrs out- Single seniority lists/bargaining agreements for each alliance(AA, CX, BA, IB on one list, one contract). Multi-nationality crews flying around the world, crew bases in major fortress hubs. "Regional" flying small jets and large turboprops will be the most desirable flying for pilots (day trips, 2day trips, live in base) as opposed to long around the world trips. New technology will bring some sort of super efficient engine, or alternative fuels.
25-30yrs- Single pilot cockpit with a "pilot" on the ground as well with communication/navigation link to the plane with ability to take control of the plane from the ground based station. ATC clearances/instructions will be text based, no radio communication.
30+ yrs- Aircraft being controlled exclusively from ground based stations, ATC stations will be automated
Last edited by Flyby1206 : 09-29-2009 at 11:43 AM.
And all meals will be in pill form, and the planet will be ruled by DAMNED DIRTY APES.
Sorry... had to say it. Just teasing.
I definitely agree on new/alternative fuels being developed, however I see that happening much sooner. Whoever can corner that market is the next Rockefeller tycoon.
Its all a guessing game, and thanks to everyone who has chimed in!!
As an expat pilot, I am concerned with the number of ab initio and low time pilots starting to fill the right seats. In 10 years, there will be less of a need for the higher paid expats of North America and Europe with the jobs going to pilots from places such as Indonesia, Malaysia and other countries not currently known for their expat pilot workforce. Some lowcost carriers have used a business model that exploits pilots and cabin crew and pays much lower wages. In ten years time, these ab initio pilots will be left seaters and experienced pilots plying the markets. That's my concern, pretty selfish, but I have to realize the reality of it.
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Nice outlook, Deadstick35!! 
How many seats did the small DC-9 have, the 14's and 21's when the majors flew them.
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