Originally Posted by
johnso29
True, but the BHR prevents mainline from shrinking while regionals grow. Isn't that what happned after 9/11? It prevents huge utilization of the jumbo RJs while parking mainline aircraft. Our old contract didn't provide that.
You're right, it absolutely would be an issue if the 50 seater was a threat, which it was post 9/11. It's not now. We had a cap on the airplanes that were the real threat and the 50 seaters were/are on their way out.
EB, 24OCT12
"...we’ll be mindful of our frequency by market and that’s a key driver, and the 717 deal, particularly, gives us much better gauge and the second thing is, I don’t think customers want to fly 800, 900 miles on a 50-seater. Part of what we’re doing here is putting a better product in the market, better fuel efficiency, fewer airplanes in the air and our customers tell us they much prefer flying on mainline airplanes rather than 34-, 44-, and 50-seat airplanes.
I just don't think the 50 seater was a threat even if it had better CASM. It takes up slots and gates, it's small and it's uncomfortable. It's just not bi-winning.