Originally Posted by
jsled
Actually.... for the end of the year 2013, United's 4/25/2013 Investor Update shows 32 Q400s, in addition to the 115 CRJ700s and 38 EMB170s. Thats 185 + 70 EMB175s = 255. So no more 76 seaters unless they park 70 seaters. (up to 153 of the 255 jets can be 76 seaters after Jan 2016).
UAX block hours must be </= to 120% of narrowbody block hours. This will dictate how many 50 seaters end up in the desert as the new jets arrive.
To go any higher than 255 (70+76) or more than 153 (76) after 2016, UAL has to add a new small NB to mainline and the block hour ratio declines from 120% of nb block hours by a scale of how many 76 seaters they operate.
Sled
Thank you for addressing this. Not surprising in essence but somewhat interesting they went right to the 255 as quickly as they did. So what happens now to the RJ fleet? If they stay at 255 70/76 seaters and 450 max eventually there will be no SNB orders. The question is can they compete with a RJ fleet of such design and will the "scope choke" ever be crossed?