Originally Posted by rickair7777

I think the issue is staffing, not cost effectiveness.

Oil's around $80, 50-seaters are paid off, and ticket prices are sky-high. You *should* be able to make money on the right routes, if you can find anyone to fly the things. If you're a senior lifer at a regional with 50's only, you might be willing to stay and do it. They have to find you an FO though...