Originally Posted by
Andrew_VT
Mesaba's additional CR9 options are not rumors, and yes they are widely discussed you are correct.
Most likely correct (like 95-99% odds
) but stranger things have happened. Of course I didn't try to burst this pcl guys bubble, I just said "it could happen".
Correct again, but 76-seat growth is 76-seat growth...and this compass guy was implying that it was ALL going to them because of "pax get on a CR9 and they say 'oh a regional jet' where on a Ejet they think they're on mainline" (or some BS like that...I stopped paying attention after awhile)
Yeah. Don't worry about those Compass guys. Fact of the matter is CRJ 900 has longer range, faster, and more fuel efficient than EMB 175. When I was flying it last week, we calculated that it has the range to go nonstop from MSP to San Diego non stop with 73 passengers and enough fuel with Part 121 Fuel reserve requirement.
EMB 175 is little wider in the cabin but not that noticeable because I have flown in one as a passenger. EMB 175 is a nice airplane. I have it from guys who have been at Mesaba for more than 20 years that it is a really good bet that Compass future is fairly uncertain at this time. Especially if this NWA and Delta merger talk turns out to be true. With the fuel price continuing to soar, beancounters at NWA does not care one bit if the EMB 175 cabin is 1.5 inches wider or not. They only care about the bottom line and CRJ900, even though it is far from being ideal, wins hands down in efficiency over EMB 175.