Originally Posted by
ToiletDuck
Why is everyone assuming the party has stopped? This isn't the first time the industry has been dealt a blow. Aviation isn't going anywhere.
I think they may be referring to the massive amount of growth that regionals experienced over the last 5 years. The 50 seat RJ has become uneconomical with oil over $80 a barrel.
I think the possibility exists that oil will approach that mark again. If it sustains that mark it's likely that a lot of 50 seat jets will go to the desert. DAL had already started parking a very large amount of 50 seaters, and the pace only slowed because oil dropped back down to a level where they were somewhat profitable. Once oil goes back up you will see more DCI 50 seaters get parked.
As contracts for 50 seat flying expire you will most likely not see them renewed. The real question is will the number of 76 seaters continue to grow? I will work for the answer to be NO.