The 550 is short legged, particularly as compared to the XR, and as a dual class aircraft depends on dual class fares for profitability. Business class travelers aren't coming back as soon as one might think. I know several sales people in other industries who are not only on a company-issued travel ban but their customers have told them to stay home as well. With conventions not allowed either, I just don't see how they're going to fill 550s unless they intentionally operate them at a loss.

My deadheads between EWR and IAD lately have been 175's operated by (guess who) Republic. They've been maybe half full. The one home the other morning was about 25% full. Operating a 175 on a route that is best served by a completely-paid-for E145 is just stupid, particularly when 175s are limited by scope -- those assets are best used elsewhere. And perhaps that's the only saving grace for C5 or C5 in EWR specifically -- loads will be such that 50 seat aircraft make more sense on certain city pairs and we'll be brought in to fly those while Republic takes the more heavily traveled routes.