Originally Posted by
Larry in TN
I haven't been on a 550 yet but am looking forward to trying it at some point.
I don't know how old you are. I'm 55, and I remember riding on commuter flights in the late 1970s in airplanes like the Twin Otter and Beech 99. Those were replaced by the Metroliner, Beech 1900, and the Jetstream. (I flew the J32 Jetstreams in my first airline job) Then came the Saab 340, Brasilia, Dash 8 and we had a flight attendant! I even got to ride on a couple of four-engine Dash-7s, operated by Rio Airways, as a teenager! The introduction of the CRJ-200 and E145 was a huge step forward, at the time, to actually be flying a jet. But it's time for them to join the Twin Otters and Metroliners to make way for their successors.
It will be interesting to see what direction Kirby takes us regarding the UAX/UAL fleets. If he were to buy enough new NB aircraft to get the max number of 76 seaters, we’d gain about 90 aircraft, while UAX would gain 70 new 76 seat aircraft, but they’d also have to eliminate about 175 of the 50 seaters. Their block hours would also be reduced to 68% United NB block. On the other hand, if he decides to add used 737/320’s to our current fleet, UAX doesn’t get any more 70/76 seaters and the single class 50 seaters just fade away. With just the existing 70/76 seaters out there and the 550’s, UAX wouldn’t be able to get close to the number of block hours that they have in the past. I’m hoping for some cheap Max 7’s or good used 737-700’s or 319’s. The 50 seaters are nearing the end and I’d rather not allow UAX anything more than the 70/76 seaters that they currently fly.