In ground school Atkin came in and told us that they'll be around for at least a few more years. There is some really short flights that don't make sense for the jet and some short runways that would put the jet in the dirt off the end.
We asked him about replacements and he said there is no good replacement in the 30 seat range right now.
They have to be looking into other aircraft in the next 3-5 years. Maint. is only going to get more expensive on an aircraft that is out of production. I understand that the cost of a prop blade is nearing 80K now on that thing.