It seems to have been an excellent move on the MEC's part to remove any discussion of NSNB from the contract extension. Doing so freed the CO to buy bigger jets from Boeing at likely bargain basement prices to be flown at mainline - win/win/win. I think the additional capacity will negate any short/medium term 70/76 seat scope choke worries for the CO. More time to see how the C series plays out vs. the E-2... and if the economy tanks in the next couple of years then it is a moot point.

Payments for these jets are likely going to be very cheap, and a comparative bargain vs. leasing. Big question in my mind is how many narrowbodies are coming off lease in the next couple of years and how many of those leases will be renewed. Then we'll have a better idea of how much growth this really represents.