Quote:
Little problem with 550's... there's no certain future of new production.Originally Posted by point80
SK has made himself pretty clear that in the long run he only wants luxury 50 seaters (550s). He has stuck to his guns while regional pilots have been delusional to the idea. The 145s and 200s will be obsolete over the next couple years. The reason you just cant get rid of them tomorrow is bc of scope, not contracts. There isnt enough 550s on the line to cover what would be needed based on scope limiting 76/70 seaters on a six month look back.
Currently planned 550's are retrofits of used airframes. Bombardier sold the CRJ to MHI. MHI is supposed to complete production on any outstanding orders but has no obligation or apparent intent to continue building new CRJs of any sort. MHI bought the CRJ not because they wanted to build it or have anything to do with it... they bought it to get the global support network and customer base which they hope will enable the success of the MRJ (or spicejet or whatever they call it now).
550's should be considered a temporary measure. UAL either hopes to wipe out scope in BK, or maybe hopes that 175s or spicejets can be converted to comply with 50 seat scope. No clear way ahead on any of that.