Originally Posted by
rickair7777
But why are they going to do that? Regionals fly what the major partners want them to fly, and pax like jets (even if they use more fuel).
Majors still want MORE 90 seaters, and probably 70 seaters. The SKW President reiterated today that there are NO plans to add new turboprops to the fleet.
There are several MAJOR projects to build NEW 70/90 seat RJ's with advanced technology materials, systems, and engines (geared-turbofans).... Mitsubishi, China, and Russia.
Nobody is designing all-new turboprops...the geared turbofan engine will probably close the efficiency gap with the turboprop engine to the point that the extra complexity, low altitude, and slowness of the turboprop is not worth it.
Your right with regard to the technology side of things. I think managemnt tends to not factor in that aspect of the equation when making these decisions, and it comes bact to bite them. If they think the jet manufactuers will sit idly by and not try and improve and surpass the turbopros they are sadly mistaken.