Originally Posted by
jonnyjetprop
The problem with the CRJ550 is that the economics of the aircraft are unproven. Will the increased revenue from BC outweigh the increased operating costs of the 550 vs. a true 50 seat aircraft.
If the 50's wear out or become non-economical then service will be cut. That will drive up prices as some folks will be willing to pay rather than drive hours to another airport. Eventually demand will probably justify 50-seat 700's (or the embraer equivalent) if there is simply no suitable replacement.
I don't recall if props count against the 50-seat limit? ATRs are still available new, and maybe Q-400's.
If you're young, and planning on making a career at a regional that operates a lot of 200's, you might feel some pain. For everyone else it should shake out OK one way or another.