Originally Posted by
shackone
The simple fact of the matter is that companies cannot continue to fly 737s on short legs...at least not until a 737-size jet can be made that is as efficient as a RJ. Too expensive to the bottom line.
And, like it or not, the bottom line is what this is all about.
Folks...we just have to get away from the idea that companies are in business to give us a cushy job!
I agree with some of what you say and disagree with the rest.
I agree that we are not here to have cushy jobs. The company exists for its owners. But employees and customers are never far from the equation.
With that said, I don't believe that flying RJs around is in fact the most efficient way of doing business. They are for certain markets.
But at which point do we say that an RJ is no longer an RJ?
If the airlines could they would probably simply sell seats and contract ALL the flying out. "Regional" has become the word for all airplanes contracted out. What if United said, "Our 747s are too expensive to operate. We are going to look for a supplier and simply sell the seats as 'United International'", but to the lowest bidder?
There is absolutely nothing wrong with the airplane when it comes to the EMB jets. The passengers like them. I like them. The pilots evidently like them.
The problem is with how different airplanes are being used to lower the bar when it comes to the profession. It used to be 50-seat jets. Now 70-seat jets are the norm. Where is the line drawn?
I understand your point about making money. But I also understand that pilots need to earn a living and the larger and larger so-called "Regional" jets are being used to drive down pilot salaries. I do not feel this is appropriate.
The problem is not with the jets, it is with how they are being used and marketed.