Originally Posted by
Sr. Barco
I think shrinkage, consolidation and larger airframes will help but I don't see the companies I mentioned having 50% fewer airframes in 13 years. A Cessna 172 rents for $100/hour minus fuel and instructor. Throw in the new ATP requirements for 121 carriers and I just don't see regional airlines existing in their current form in 10 years.
I agree...I don't think they will have 50% fewer airframes, however I do think they will combat employee cost, fuel etc with some consolidation and cut service frequency using larger frames. I also totally agree the regional airline as we know it will not exist, the Buisness model doesn't work unless the airlines can figure out a way to get the public to pay more per seat.
I want nothing more than there to be a pilot shortage and for pilots to take back just a small amount of what we have lost over the last 15 years or so. However I have been around / in this Buisness a long time and management always seems to find a way around improving or even maintaining a certain standard for their pilots. I wouldn't be surprised to see them to it again.