Originally Posted by
bedrock
A lot of words to explain what we already know, the regional job doesn't pay enough. They propose doing point to point with regional jets, outside of hubs. Who is going to pay? If it were profitable Southwest or a LCC would be all over it. XJT treid branded point to point, but the oil costs grew too high, and 50 seaters are getting very long in the tooth now.
So the "industry" falls back on the same old argument "regulations are killing us" I read several unsourced quotes in there that sound a lot like the usual suspect--Bedford, talking about 1500 hrs in a Cessna towing banners is OK, but 700 hrs F-18 time isn't. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I seriously doubt he's getting any 700 hr F-18 guys as a Navy pilot commitment is 10 yrs. So what is the answer they say: less regulation BUT more subsidy: The industry is seeking relief in the form of more training credit for highly structured college training programmes. “We also need government help in the form of student pilot loan guarantees or grants ". I hate to be so crass, but the simple answer is FUPM.
SWA already does point to point...with 737s no less. Granted, they are moving away from it, but they still do it and turn a profit. Throw a more efficient/lower capacity airplane (c series or next gen ejet?) on those routes (or other point to point routes) and there could be a market for it. Especially once podunktown loses its airline service as the 50 seaters are parked.