Originally Posted by
flightlessbirds
Which makes them higher CASM (by 8%) and the same fixed/variable operating costs. With 10-15% loads now and 20-30% for the foreseeable future this all will make them uncompetitive with 50 seat flying, not withstanding SKs townhall comments. He wants them to replace mainline NB flying. Economics rule, and I don’t think we’ve seen the end of the 50 seaters if we start ripping seats out of Embraer larger RJs.
My guess is that the company is going to use this to clean up the operation. People hate the CRJ 200 and the E145, and for good reason. Unless your paycheck comes from flying them, they won’t be missed. The customer reviews on the CRJ 550 are actually pretty positive. As demand returns we’ll probably see reduced frequency, but on larger planes. Instead of 5 flights on a 50 seater, you may see 3 on a 76 seat jet. Routes like my commute could go from 8 flights on 76 seaters to 4-5 on a NB.