Originally Posted by
mwa1
the 64K question - when ticket prices go up because costs rise, will the aircraft get larger with less frequency or smaller with the same or lower freq.
It still costs less to send 45 people on an RJ than on an MD80 or the like.
I think the trend will be to fly the fuel efficient newer 100 to 110 seat jets at fewer frequencies, if the oil price keeps going up, which I think it will.
This means 50 seat RJs will be gradually phased out. Even 76 seat RJs including CRJ9s and E175s will be phased out eventually to be replaced with 110 or larger mainline jets. Unless the scope clause disappears(very unlikely) these jets will be flown by majors.