Originally Posted by sailingfun

They put the decision off because they don't want a jet with less then 130 seats in a two class and would prefer 140. This is the Maddog replacement keep in mind. The C series 300 version is close. Nothing from EMB can do that at the moment. The smaller Airbuses and Boeings are not that efficient That may change soon. No politics, No contract plans or hopes on the companies part. They want competing bids for a aircraft in that size. There is nothing today. The picture in that segment will be quite different in 24 months and so will pricing. They don't want the 717. Never have had a interest and don't today. Its a dog in many ways. To small, not that efficient and not enough available. I wont even get into the engine issues.
They simply don't want to pay almost the same price for a 130 seat jet as the 900's they are getting. This comes from a good source. EMB may have a announcement in the next 12 months that will provide the competition needed in the segment.