Originally Posted by
slowplay
OK, so I get that logic and it's a fair point. The new large RJ's would keep DCI around 3-4 years longer if airframe longevity determines their viability. The 70 seaters on average have a 15-17 year contractual life with DCI, so I think 30 is a bit optimistic for that space.
What does that have to do with anything? If they sign 2 year or 200 year DCI contracts, that doesn't mean at the end of those contracts those jets just go away. They are very clearly considered permanent jets. If they weren't, they would have a sunset clause to all of them, yet none of them do. When the leases run out, they will be renewed or given to a cheaper DCI carrier who "deals them an ace" to undercut another DCI carrier. The seat ranges and counts we give them will remain at DCI forever unless they become totally out of whack with CASM. The extra 90 seaters we are giving them insure fierce mainline CASM loyalty to DCI and not mainline for every seat of that lift for all eternity.